CVE-2025-60240 is a vulnerability classified as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program,' commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability, found in the Alexander AnyComment product up to version 0.3.6. The vulnerability arises because the application does not properly validate or restrict the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to supply a crafted filename that points to a remote malicious PHP file, which the server then includes and executes. This can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 indicates a high-severity issue with network attack vector, high attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature makes it a critical concern for web-facing applications. The vulnerability affects AnyComment, a PHP-based commenting system, which is often integrated into websites to manage user comments. Attackers exploiting this flaw could potentially take over the web server, access sensitive data, modify content, or disrupt service. The vulnerability was reserved in late September 2025 and published in early November 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or fixes are currently linked, so organizations must monitor vendor updates closely. The vulnerability's exploitation requires tricking a user or administrator into triggering the vulnerable code path, which may involve crafted URLs or inputs. The lack of authentication requirements lowers the barrier for attackers, but the high attack complexity and user interaction requirement somewhat mitigate immediate mass exploitation risks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60240 can be significant, especially for those relying on the AnyComment PHP application for website comment management. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, enabling attackers to compromise web servers, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or launch further attacks within the network. This can result in data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, leading to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The disruption of web services can affect customer trust and business continuity. Given the high usage of PHP-based web applications across Europe, organizations with public-facing websites using AnyComment or similar vulnerable components are at risk. The requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, especially spear-phishing or social engineering campaigns. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score demands urgent attention. The vulnerability also poses risks to hosting providers and managed service providers supporting European clients, potentially amplifying the impact through supply chain compromise.

1. Monitor the Alexander vendor’s official channels for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-60240 and apply them immediately upon release. 2. Until patches are available, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths to prevent injection of remote URLs or unauthorized file paths. 3. Configure PHP settings to disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives to prevent inclusion of remote files. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block remote file inclusion attempts and suspicious URL patterns targeting include/require parameters. 5. Conduct code audits on AnyComment integrations to identify and remediate unsafe file inclusion practices. 6. Restrict web server permissions to limit the impact of any potential code execution, ensuring the web server runs with minimal privileges. 7. Educate administrators and users about the risks of interacting with untrusted links or inputs that could trigger the vulnerability. 8. Implement network-level controls to monitor and block outbound connections to untrusted external servers that could be used to host malicious payloads. 9. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 10. Consider isolating or sandboxing the AnyComment application environment to contain potential compromises.