Description
The InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.0.85 via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-10733
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in the InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) flaw. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter. The severity of this vulnerability is rated with a CVSS Base Score of 9.8, which is considered critical. The CVSS vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal skill and resources.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The vulnerability does not change the security scope.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - The vulnerability can result in a high impact on confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - The vulnerability can result in a high impact on integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - The vulnerability can result in a high impact on availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector for this vulnerability is the manipulation of the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter to include and execute arbitrary files. Potential exploitation methods include:
- Arbitrary File Inclusion: Attackers can include files from the server, potentially leading to the execution of malicious PHP code.
- Code Execution: By including files with embedded PHP code, attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server.
- Data Exfiltration: Attackers can read sensitive files, such as configuration files containing database credentials or other sensitive information.
- Bypassing Access Controls: Attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the system.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin up to and including version 0.1.0.85. Any WordPress installation using this plugin within the affected version range is at risk.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Update the Plugin: Immediately update the InstaWP Connect plugin to a version higher than 0.1.0.85, if available.
- Disable the Plugin: If an update is not available, consider disabling the plugin until a patched version is released.
- Input Validation: Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user inputs, especially for parameters like 'instawp-database-manager'.
- Access Controls: Enforce strict access controls and ensure that only authorized users have access to critical functionalities.
- Monitoring and Logging: Implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect and respond to any suspicious activities.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to filter out malicious requests and protect against LFI attacks.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly for organizations and individuals using WordPress with the affected plugin. The potential for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code and access sensitive data can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. Given the widespread use of WordPress, this vulnerability could affect a large number of websites and users across Europe.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
For security professionals, the following technical details are pertinent:
- Vulnerable Parameter: The 'instawp-database-manager' parameter is the entry point for the LFI vulnerability.
- Code Analysis: Review the code in the
loader.phpfile, particularly around line 77, to understand how the parameter is handled and where the vulnerability lies. - References:
By understanding these details, security professionals can better assess the risk, implement appropriate mitigations, and ensure the security of their WordPress installations.
Conclusion
The Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the InstaWP Connect plugin is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Organizations and individuals using the affected plugin should prioritize updating or disabling the plugin to mitigate the risk. Robust security measures, including input validation, access controls, and monitoring, are essential to protect against such vulnerabilities and maintain the integrity of the European cybersecurity landscape.