CVE-2025-53576 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP applications. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the Ovatheme Events plugin, versions up to and including 1.2.8. The flaw allows an attacker to perform a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) attack by manipulating the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require functions. This can lead to the inclusion and execution of arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information, executing malicious code, or causing denial of service. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable 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 is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the nature of LFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers aiming to escalate privileges, access configuration files, or pivot within compromised environments. The absence of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations using the Ovatheme Events plugin, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including credentials and internal configuration files, undermining confidentiality. Integrity could be compromised if attackers inject or execute malicious code, potentially leading to website defacement or malware distribution. Availability may also be affected if the attacker disrupts normal operations through resource exhaustion or application crashes. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, event management, and public services that rely on WordPress sites with this plugin are particularly at risk. Given the remote exploitability and lack of authentication requirements, attackers can target vulnerable systems en masse, increasing the likelihood of widespread impact. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict data protection requirements, and breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to legal and financial penalties for affected European entities.

Immediate mitigation steps include auditing all WordPress installations for the presence of the Ovatheme Events plugin and identifying versions up to 1.2.8. Since no official patches are currently available, organizations should consider temporarily disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious include/require parameter manipulations can provide interim protection. Restricting PHP file inclusion paths via configuration (e.g., open_basedir restrictions) can limit the scope of file inclusion attacks. Monitoring web server and application logs for unusual requests targeting include parameters is critical for early detection. Organizations should also prepare to apply patches promptly once released and conduct thorough testing to ensure no residual vulnerabilities remain. Educating developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion can prevent similar issues in the future.