CVE-2025-10686 is a critical security vulnerability classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal) affecting the Creta Testimonial Showcase WordPress plugin prior to version 1.2.4. The flaw allows authenticated users with editor-level or higher privileges to exploit a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. By manipulating file path parameters, attackers can traverse directories and include arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. This inclusion can lead to the execution of arbitrary PHP code contained within those files, effectively granting remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that controls file paths, allowing attackers to bypass intended directory restrictions. Although no public exploits have been reported, the vulnerability's nature and required privileges make it highly dangerous in environments where multiple users have elevated WordPress roles. The lack of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly published vulnerability, but its characteristics suggest a high-risk profile. The plugin is commonly used to display testimonials on WordPress sites, and its compromise could lead to website defacement, data theft, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in November 2025, with no patch links currently available, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive mitigation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-10686 can be severe. Exploitation allows attackers with editor-level access to execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full website compromise, data breaches, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Confidential information stored or processed by the affected WordPress site could be exposed or altered, undermining data integrity and confidentiality. Availability may also be impacted if attackers deploy ransomware or disrupt website operations. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe for corporate, governmental, and SME websites, this vulnerability could facilitate targeted attacks against critical infrastructure, e-commerce platforms, or public-facing services. Organizations with multiple content editors or contributors are at increased risk, as more users have the required privileges to exploit the flaw. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks, including privilege escalation or deployment of web shells. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains high once exploit code is developed or leaked.

1. Immediately restrict editor-level and higher privileges to trusted users only, minimizing the attack surface. 2. Monitor and audit user activities, especially file uploads and modifications, to detect suspicious behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns targeting the plugin's file inclusion functionality. 4. Regularly back up WordPress sites and databases to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 5. Once available, promptly apply official patches or updates to the Creta Testimonial Showcase plugin to remediate the vulnerability. 6. Consider temporarily disabling or uninstalling the plugin if patching is not immediately possible. 7. Employ file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to PHP files on the server. 8. Harden the web server environment by disabling unnecessary PHP functions and restricting file system permissions to limit the impact of potential code execution. 9. Educate content editors and administrators about the risks of elevated privileges and safe operational practices.