CVE-2025-3897 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified as CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal) affecting the EUCookieLaw WordPress plugin developed by diego-la-monica. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.7.2. The core issue arises from the plugin's use of the PHP function 'file_get_contents' without proper validation or sanitization of user-supplied input, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to perform arbitrary file read operations on the server hosting the WordPress site. However, exploitation requires the presence and activation of a caching plugin such as W3 Total Cache, which likely influences the plugin's file handling or caching mechanisms, enabling the path traversal attack vector. Successful exploitation allows attackers to read sensitive files on the server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, or other confidential data. The vulnerability does not allow modification or deletion of files, nor does it require authentication or user interaction, but the attack complexity is rated high due to the prerequisite of a specific caching plugin setup. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.9, reflecting a medium severity level with high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (May 9, 2025), and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that mitigation may currently rely on configuration changes or plugin deactivation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data stored on WordPress servers using the EUCookieLaw plugin, especially those also employing caching plugins like W3 Total Cache. Given the widespread use of WordPress across European businesses, governmental agencies, and e-commerce platforms to comply with EU cookie consent regulations, exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of personal data, internal configuration files, or other sensitive information. This could result in violations of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), leading to legal penalties and reputational damage. The requirement for a caching plugin reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate it, as caching plugins are commonly used to improve site performance. The vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to gather intelligence for further attacks or to compromise user privacy, undermining trust in affected organizations. Since the vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability, the immediate operational disruption is limited, but the confidentiality breach alone is critical in the European regulatory context.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the EUCookieLaw plugin and verify the version in use. If the plugin version is 2.7.2 or earlier, organizations should consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin until a security patch is released. Additionally, review and assess the use of caching plugins such as W3 Total Cache; temporarily disabling these caching plugins can mitigate the exploitability of the vulnerability. Implement strict file system permissions to restrict the web server's access to sensitive files, minimizing the impact of arbitrary file reads. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block path traversal attempts targeting the plugin's endpoints. Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests attempting to access files outside the intended directories. Finally, maintain close communication with the plugin vendor for updates and patches, and plan for prompt application of security updates once available.