CVE-2025-61318 is a security vulnerability identified in Emlog Pro version 2.5.20, a content management system often used for blogging and website management. The vulnerability is located in two administrative components: admin/template.php and admin/plugin.php. Both components fail to properly validate and sanitize the input parameters related to file deletion operations. Specifically, they do not perform adequate path verification or filter out dangerous characters that could be used for directory traversal attacks. This flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious requests that manipulate the file path parameters, enabling arbitrary deletion of files outside the intended directories. Such arbitrary file deletion can lead to significant disruption, including deletion of critical system files, configuration files, or website content, potentially causing denial of service or data loss. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, which means it can be exploited remotely by unauthenticated attackers. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a high-risk issue. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors. The vulnerability affects all installations running Emlog Pro 2.5.20 or earlier versions that have not been patched. Since no official patch or mitigation link is provided, organizations must implement strict input validation, restrict file deletion permissions, and monitor for suspicious activity as interim measures. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, especially in administrative modules that handle file operations.

For European organizations using Emlog Pro 2.5.20, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of unauthorized file deletion, which can lead to service disruption, data loss, and potential compromise of website integrity. Organizations relying on Emlog Pro for public-facing websites or internal content management may experience downtime or defacement if critical files are deleted. The arbitrary file deletion could also be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks, such as deleting security logs or configuration files, thereby hindering incident response efforts. The lack of authentication requirement increases the threat surface, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability remotely without credentials. This is particularly concerning for European SMEs and public sector entities that may use Emlog Pro due to its ease of use and open-source nature. The impact extends to reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal data is affected or service availability is compromised. Given the critical nature of web presence for business continuity, this vulnerability could have wide-reaching operational and financial impacts.

1. Immediately audit all Emlog Pro installations to identify affected versions, specifically version 2.5.20. 2. Apply any official patches or updates released by Emlog Pro developers as soon as they become available. 3. In the absence of patches, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all file deletion parameters, ensuring path traversal sequences (e.g., ../) are blocked. 4. Restrict file system permissions for the web server user to limit the directories and files that can be deleted, ideally confining deletion capabilities to specific safe directories. 5. Monitor web server logs and application logs for suspicious deletion requests or unusual activity patterns. 6. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block directory traversal attempts targeting admin/template.php and admin/plugin.php endpoints. 7. Conduct regular backups of website files and configurations to enable rapid restoration in case of file deletion. 8. Educate administrators on the risks of arbitrary file deletion vulnerabilities and the importance of secure coding and configuration management. 9. Consider isolating the Emlog Pro administrative interface behind VPN or IP allowlists to reduce exposure. 10. Engage in proactive threat hunting to detect any exploitation attempts early.