CVE-2025-31432 is a security vulnerability identified in the Pop-Up Chop Chop plugin, a PHP-based tool used for managing pop-ups. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which leads to a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. LFI vulnerabilities allow attackers to trick the application into including files from the local filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or credentials. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution if the attacker can upload malicious files or abuse log files. The affected versions of Pop-Up Chop Chop are all versions up to and including 2.1.7. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it easier for remote attackers to exploit. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and poses a significant risk. The lack of a CVSS score requires an assessment based on the nature of the vulnerability, which impacts confidentiality and integrity severely, with moderate impact on availability. The vulnerability is rooted in insecure coding practices where user input is not properly sanitized before being used in include/require statements, violating secure coding standards. This flaw can be exploited by sending crafted requests that manipulate the filename parameter, causing the server to include unintended files. The vulnerability affects PHP environments running the Pop-Up Chop Chop plugin, commonly used in WordPress or other PHP-based CMS platforms.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-31432 is the potential exposure of sensitive files on the server, including configuration files, credentials, and source code, which can lead to further attacks such as privilege escalation or data breaches. If attackers can leverage the LFI to execute arbitrary code, they may gain full control over the affected server, leading to complete system compromise. This can result in data theft, defacement, service disruption, or use of the compromised server as a pivot point for lateral movement within an organization’s network. The vulnerability’s ease of exploitation without authentication increases the risk of widespread attacks, especially on publicly accessible web servers. Organizations relying on Pop-Up Chop Chop for pop-up management on their websites face risks to their web infrastructure’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The reputational damage and regulatory consequences from data breaches or defacement could be significant. Additionally, attackers may use the vulnerability to deploy malware or ransomware, further amplifying the impact.

To mitigate CVE-2025-31432, organizations should immediately update Pop-Up Chop Chop to a patched version once available. If no patch exists yet, disable or remove the vulnerable plugin from the environment to eliminate the attack surface. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters, especially those used in include or require statements, to prevent malicious file path manipulation. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block LFI attack patterns targeting the filename parameter. Restrict PHP file inclusion to a whitelist of safe directories using PHP configuration directives such as open_basedir. Monitor server logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or errors indicating exploitation attempts. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and remediate insecure coding practices. Educate developers on secure coding standards to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Finally, maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.