CVE-2025-48338 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the Kevon Adonis WP Abstracts plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.7.4. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements within the plugin's codebase. This flaw allows an attacker to supply a crafted URL or file path that the PHP interpreter will include and execute, potentially loading malicious code from a remote server. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible to remote attackers. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects the high confidentiality impact, as attackers can read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code remotely, but with no direct impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability is classified as a high-severity issue due to the ease of exploitation over the network and the potential for data exposure. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the nature of RFI vulnerabilities historically leads to rapid weaponization. The plugin is commonly used in academic and conference management contexts, where sensitive manuscript data might be stored, increasing the attractiveness of this target. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in October 2025, with no patch links currently available, indicating that mitigation efforts must rely on temporary controls until an official fix is released.

For European organizations, especially universities, research institutions, and conference organizers using the WP Abstracts plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive manuscript submissions and related data. Attackers exploiting this flaw can remotely include malicious PHP code, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure or further compromise of the hosting environment. Although integrity and availability impacts are not directly indicated, the ability to execute remote code could be leveraged for more extensive attacks. The exposure of unpublished research or personal data could lead to reputational damage, legal consequences under GDPR, and loss of intellectual property. Given the plugin’s niche use in academic settings, the impact is concentrated but critical for affected entities. The vulnerability’s remote and unauthenticated nature increases the likelihood of exploitation attempts, especially in countries with high WordPress usage and active academic communities.

1. Monitor the vendor’s official channels for patches and apply updates immediately once available. 2. Until a patch is released, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths within the plugin’s code, if custom modifications are possible. 3. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block Remote File Inclusion attack patterns targeting PHP include/require statements. 4. Restrict outbound HTTP/HTTPS requests from the web server to prevent the server from fetching remote files. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of WordPress plugins, especially those handling file operations. 6. Isolate WordPress instances running this plugin in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 7. Educate site administrators on the risks of using outdated plugins and encourage minimal plugin usage to reduce attack surface.