CVE-2025-58898 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the AncoraThemes HealthHub WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 1.3.0. The vulnerability arises from improper validation and control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the input parameter that specifies which file to include. This can lead to the inclusion of arbitrary files from the server's filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data such as configuration files, credentials, or application source code. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code if combined with other vulnerabilities or writable file locations. Although the vulnerability is classified as a Local File Inclusion rather than Remote File Inclusion, it still poses a significant risk because it can be exploited remotely via crafted HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable plugin. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been reported, but the vulnerability is published and recognized by Patchstack and the CVE database. The plugin is commonly used in healthcare-related WordPress sites, which often handle sensitive personal health information, increasing the potential impact of exploitation. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be available, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from administrators using this plugin.

For European organizations, especially those in the healthcare sector using the HealthHub plugin, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive patient data, violating GDPR and other privacy regulations. The exposure of configuration files or credentials could facilitate further attacks, including privilege escalation or full site compromise. Service availability might also be impacted if attackers leverage the vulnerability to execute malicious code or disrupt normal operations. Given the critical nature of healthcare data and the strict regulatory environment in Europe, exploitation could result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and loss of patient trust. Additionally, healthcare providers are often targeted by cybercriminals and nation-state actors, increasing the likelihood of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used WordPress plugin means that many small to medium healthcare providers, which may lack advanced security resources, are at particular risk.

Organizations should immediately monitor for updates or patches released by AncoraThemes for HealthHub and apply them as soon as they become available. Until a patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or removing the plugin if feasible. Implement strict file system permissions to limit the web server's ability to read sensitive files outside the intended directories. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts, such as unusual parameter values in HTTP requests. Conduct thorough code reviews and vulnerability scans on WordPress sites to identify similar insecure coding patterns. Additionally, implement logging and monitoring to detect anomalous access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Educate site administrators about the risks of installing unverified plugins and encourage regular security audits. Finally, ensure backups are current and tested to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.