CVE-2025-23952 is a vulnerability categorized as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the ntm custom-field-list-widget plugin versions up to 1.5.1. This vulnerability enables Remote File Inclusion (RFI), where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements to load malicious remote or local files. This occurs because the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that determines which files are included. Exploiting this flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to other internal systems. Although no known public exploits exist yet, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and unpatched, increasing the risk of future exploitation. The vulnerability affects PHP environments running the vulnerable plugin, which is likely used in content management systems or custom PHP applications. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on the nature of RFI vulnerabilities, which are typically critical due to their impact and ease of exploitation. The vulnerability was reserved in January 2025 and published in March 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or mitigations have been officially released at the time of this report.

The impact of CVE-2025-23952 is potentially severe for organizations worldwide using the ntm custom-field-list-widget plugin in PHP environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, which can lead to complete server takeover, data breaches, and disruption of services. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers may access sensitive files or databases. Integrity can be compromised through unauthorized code execution or data modification. Availability may be affected if attackers deploy ransomware or cause denial-of-service conditions. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it easier to exploit remotely. Organizations relying on PHP-based web applications with this plugin are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk of future attacks is high. The broad use of PHP and the plugin in various industries increases the scope and scale of potential impact.

To mitigate CVE-2025-23952, organizations should immediately identify and inventory all instances of the ntm custom-field-list-widget plugin in their PHP environments. If a patched version becomes available, apply it promptly. Until then, consider disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters used in include or require statements to prevent injection of malicious file paths. Employ allowlisting to restrict included files to a predefined set of safe files. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious requests targeting file inclusion vulnerabilities. Monitor logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or unexpected PHP code execution. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on file inclusion and code injection vectors. Educate developers on secure coding practices to avoid similar vulnerabilities in custom PHP code. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to recover quickly if exploitation occurs.