CVE-2025-10406 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal) affecting the BlindMatrix e-Commerce WordPress plugin prior to version 3.1. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of certain shortcode attributes that are used to construct file paths passed to PHP's include functions. Because these attributes are not properly sanitized, authenticated users with contributor-level privileges can manipulate the path input to traverse directories and include unintended files from the server's filesystem. This Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive files, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, or other sensitive data. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact without availability impact. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require authentication with contributor or higher privileges, which limits the attack surface to insiders or compromised accounts. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used e-commerce plugin for WordPress sites makes it a significant risk. The lack of a patch link suggests that users must upgrade to version 3.1 or later once available or apply vendor guidance. This vulnerability could be leveraged to gather sensitive information that may facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the affected environment.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the confidentiality and integrity of data hosted on WordPress e-commerce sites using the BlindMatrix plugin. Unauthorized file access could lead to exposure of sensitive business information, customer data, or internal configuration files, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Although the attack requires authenticated contributor-level access, many organizations grant such permissions to multiple users, increasing the risk of insider threats or compromised accounts being exploited. The integrity impact could allow attackers to manipulate included files, potentially altering site behavior or injecting malicious code, which could lead to reputational damage and financial loss. Availability is not directly impacted, but indirect effects such as site defacement or data leakage could disrupt business operations. Given the widespread use of WordPress and e-commerce platforms in Europe, especially in countries with large digital economies, the vulnerability could affect a significant number of organizations if unpatched. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits after public disclosure.

1. Upgrade the BlindMatrix e-Commerce plugin to version 3.1 or later as soon as it becomes available, as this version addresses the path traversal vulnerability. 2. Restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and regularly audit user roles to minimize the risk of insider threats. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all shortcode attributes, ensuring that path inputs cannot traverse directories or include unintended files. 4. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block path traversal attempts targeting WordPress plugins. 5. Monitor logs for suspicious include function calls or unusual file access patterns indicative of LFI exploitation attempts. 6. Consider isolating WordPress installations and limiting file system permissions to prevent unauthorized file access beyond the web root. 7. Educate site administrators and developers about secure coding practices and the risks associated with improper input validation. 8. Apply regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing focused on WordPress plugins to detect similar issues proactively.