CVE-2025-23915 identifies a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the roninwp FAT Event Lite WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to 1.1. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the file path. This can lead to the inclusion of arbitrary local files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or credentials. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code if combined with other vulnerabilities or writable file locations. The flaw does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no public exploits are reported yet, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and documented in the CVE database. The affected product, FAT Event Lite, is a WordPress plugin used for event management, and its user base is primarily WordPress site administrators. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment based on the vulnerability's characteristics. The vulnerability's root cause is insufficient validation or sanitization of input controlling the include/require filename, a common PHP security issue. Without a patch currently available, mitigation relies on configuration changes and monitoring.

The potential impact of CVE-2025-23915 is significant for organizations running WordPress sites with the vulnerable FAT Event Lite plugin. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, including server configuration, database credentials, or application source code, compromising confidentiality. Attackers may also achieve remote code execution if they can include files containing malicious code or leverage other vulnerabilities, impacting integrity and availability. This could result in website defacement, data theft, or full server takeover. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the risk of automated scanning and mass exploitation attempts, especially once public exploit code becomes available. Organizations in sectors relying heavily on WordPress for public-facing websites, such as e-commerce, media, education, and government, face reputational damage and operational disruption. The absence of a patch increases exposure duration, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation. Additionally, compromised sites can be used as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks or for launching further attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2025-23915, organizations should first check if they use the FAT Event Lite plugin and upgrade to a patched version once released by the vendor. Until a patch is available, administrators should disable or remove the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion paths, ideally restricting to a whitelist of allowed files or directories. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block LFI attack patterns targeting PHP include statements. Restrict file permissions on the server to prevent unauthorized reading of sensitive files and disable PHP functions like include and require from processing user-controlled input where possible. Monitor server logs for suspicious requests attempting to manipulate file paths or access unexpected files. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans to identify similar issues. Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices to prevent improper file inclusion vulnerabilities in custom code. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to enable recovery in case of compromise.