CVE-2025-39396 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames used in include or require statements in PHP programs. This specific vulnerability affects the Crocoblock JetReviews plugin, a component commonly used in WordPress environments to manage and display user reviews. The flaw allows for PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), meaning an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in include or require statements to execute arbitrary local files on the server. Although the vulnerability is described as a remote file inclusion type, the actual impact is local file inclusion, which can still lead to significant security risks such as arbitrary code execution, disclosure of sensitive files, and potential full system compromise. The affected versions include all versions up to 2.3.6. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) shows that the attack can be launched remotely over the network but requires low privileges and high attack complexity, with no user interaction needed. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, meaning successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the affected system. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, suggesting that organizations should prioritize monitoring and mitigation efforts. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting or multi-tenant environments where an attacker might leverage the flaw to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial. Many European businesses rely on WordPress and associated plugins like Crocoblock JetReviews for their websites and e-commerce platforms. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and internal systems, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, which could result in heavy fines and reputational damage. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that attackers could deface websites, inject malicious code, or disrupt services, leading to loss of customer trust and financial losses. Additionally, given the interconnected nature of European supply chains and digital services, a compromised site could serve as a pivot point for broader attacks against partners or clients. The lack of available patches increases the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls and closely monitor their environments for suspicious activity.

1. Immediate mitigation should include disabling or restricting the vulnerable JetReviews plugin until a patch is released. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion, ensuring that only expected and safe filenames can be processed. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities, focusing on suspicious include/require parameter patterns. 4. Restrict PHP file inclusion paths using open_basedir or similar PHP configuration directives to limit file access to designated directories. 5. Conduct thorough code audits and penetration testing focused on file inclusion and other injection vulnerabilities within the affected web applications. 6. Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or errors related to include/require statements. 7. Prepare incident response plans specific to web application compromises involving PHP file inclusion. 8. Stay updated with Crocoblock’s security advisories and apply patches promptly once available.