CVE-2025-49258 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which involves improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP programs. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the thembay Maia product up to version 1.1.15. The flaw allows for PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), meaning an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in include/require statements to execute arbitrary local files on the server. This can lead to remote code execution if an attacker can upload malicious files or leverage existing files containing executable PHP code. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, but it has a high attack complexity, indicating some conditions must be met for successful exploitation. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects the critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as an attacker could read sensitive files, execute arbitrary code, and disrupt service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been published yet. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or sanitization of input controlling the filename in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to traverse directories or specify unintended files. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications written in PHP, as it can lead to full system compromise if exploited successfully.

For European organizations using the thembay Maia product, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including configuration files, credentials, or personal data protected under GDPR. It could also allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full server compromise, data manipulation, or service disruption. This is especially critical for organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where data confidentiality and service availability are paramount. Given the remote exploitability without authentication, attackers could target exposed web servers directly, increasing the risk of widespread attacks if the product is widely deployed. The lack of patches and known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for attackers to develop exploits, emphasizing the urgency for mitigation. Additionally, the high attack complexity may limit opportunistic attacks but does not eliminate the threat from skilled adversaries, including cybercriminal groups or state-sponsored actors targeting European entities.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the vulnerable PHP scripts by implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules that detect and block suspicious include/require parameter manipulations, such as directory traversal patterns or unexpected file extensions. 2. Employ strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters controlling file inclusion, ensuring only allowed filenames or paths can be processed. 3. Disable remote file inclusion settings in PHP configurations (e.g., 'allow_url_include=Off') if not already set, to reduce attack surface. 4. Isolate the web application environment using containerization or sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 5. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests targeting include/require parameters and set up alerts for potential exploitation attempts. 6. Since no official patch is available, consider temporary removal or disabling of the vulnerable functionality if feasible. 7. Plan for rapid deployment of patches or updates once released by the vendor. 8. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities in the affected application. 9. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation.