CVE-2025-10269 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Spirit Framework plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 1.2.13. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-98, which involves improper control of filenames used in include or require statements in PHP programs, commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. In this case, the flaw allows authenticated attackers with as little as Subscriber-level access to the WordPress site to exploit the vulnerability. By manipulating the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, an attacker can include arbitrary PHP files from the server. This can lead to arbitrary code execution if the attacker can upload or otherwise place malicious PHP files on the server. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, but it does require low-level privileges, which are commonly granted to registered users on many WordPress sites. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.5, reflecting a high severity due to the network attack vector, low privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass access controls, execute arbitrary PHP code, and potentially gain full control over the affected web server. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, and no official patches or updates have been linked at the time of publication. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because WordPress is widely used, and plugins like Spirit Framework are often installed on sites with varying security postures. The lack of patch availability increases the urgency for mitigation through other means.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the Spirit Framework plugin installed. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal data protected under GDPR, potentially resulting in data breaches and regulatory penalties. The ability to execute arbitrary PHP code can allow attackers to pivot within the network, deploy malware, or disrupt services, impacting business continuity and reputation. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and e-commerce are particularly at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and the criticality of their web services. The vulnerability's requirement for only Subscriber-level access means that even low-privileged users or compromised accounts can be leveraged for attacks, increasing the attack surface. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe and the popularity of third-party plugins, the potential for exploitation is considerable. Additionally, the lack of patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls, increasing operational overhead and risk.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting or auditing user roles and permissions to minimize the number of users with Subscriber-level or higher access, ensuring that only trusted users have accounts on the affected WordPress sites. 2. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities, focusing on suspicious include/require parameter manipulations. 3. Disable or restrict the ability to upload PHP files through the WordPress media uploader or other plugins to prevent attackers from placing malicious files on the server. 4. Monitor server and application logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or unexpected PHP file executions. 5. If possible, isolate the WordPress installation in a container or sandbox environment to limit the impact of potential code execution. 6. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable quick restoration in case of compromise. 7. Stay informed about updates from the Spirit Framework developers and apply patches immediately once available. 8. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Spirit Framework plugin with alternative solutions until a secure version is released. 9. Conduct security audits and penetration testing focused on file inclusion and privilege escalation vulnerabilities to identify and remediate similar issues.