CVE-2025-49359 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the AncoraThemes ShieldGroup WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to 2.13. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to specify a remote file to be included and executed by the server. This type of vulnerability is critical because it enables remote code execution without authentication, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or pivot further into the network. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 indicates a high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction (e.g., visiting a malicious URL). The scope is unchanged, meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component but can have significant impact on confidentiality and integrity. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the nature of RFI vulnerabilities historically makes them attractive targets. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025. ShieldGroup is a WordPress plugin used to enhance website security or functionality, and its compromise could undermine the security posture of affected sites. The absence of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing urgency for mitigation. Detection can be challenging but monitoring web logs for suspicious include parameters and restricting outgoing HTTP requests from the web server can reduce risk. AncoraThemes users should monitor official channels for patches and advisories.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites running the ShieldGroup plugin, particularly those that are customer-facing or handle sensitive data. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to exfiltrate confidential information, deface websites, inject malware, or establish persistent backdoors. This can result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches, and operational disruptions. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, finance, and media are especially vulnerable due to their reliance on web presence and the sensitivity of their data. The ease of exploitation (no privileges required) and the network attack vector increase the likelihood of attacks. Additionally, compromised sites can be used as launchpads for further attacks against internal networks or customers. The lack of current known exploits provides a window for proactive defense but also means attackers may be developing exploits. The impact on availability is low but confidentiality and integrity impacts are high. Overall, the vulnerability threatens the security and trustworthiness of affected web assets across Europe.

1. Immediately audit all WordPress sites for the presence of the ShieldGroup plugin and identify versions in use. 2. Apply official patches or updates from AncoraThemes as soon as they become available. 3. If no patch is available, implement manual mitigations by reviewing and sanitizing all inputs used in include/require statements within the plugin code to prevent remote file inclusion. 4. Restrict outbound HTTP/HTTPS connections from web servers to prevent fetching of remote malicious files. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious include parameters or attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 6. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests containing file inclusion patterns or unexpected URL parameters. 7. Harden PHP configurations by disabling allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives to prevent remote file inclusion. 8. Conduct regular security scans and penetration tests focusing on file inclusion vulnerabilities. 9. Educate site administrators about the risks and signs of exploitation attempts. 10. Maintain backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.