CVE-2025-64359 is a vulnerability classified as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program,' commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) flaw, affecting the StylemixThemes Consulting WordPress plugin versions prior to 6.7.5. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements. This improper control allows an attacker to specify a remote URL or local file path that the PHP interpreter will include and execute within the context of the web server. Since the vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction (CVSS vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N), an attacker can remotely execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The impact primarily compromises confidentiality, as attackers can read sensitive files or execute code to exfiltrate data, but does not directly affect integrity or availability. The vulnerability is rated high severity with a CVSS score of 7.5. No public exploits are known yet, but the presence of this flaw in a widely used WordPress plugin for consulting firms increases the risk profile. The plugin’s role in business websites means exploitation could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to internal systems, or pivoting attacks within corporate networks. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention from administrators. Technical mitigation includes updating the plugin to version 6.7.5 or later once released, implementing strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion, and deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Monitoring web server logs for suspicious include requests is also advised.

For European organizations, especially those in consulting and professional services sectors using the StylemixThemes Consulting plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of unauthorized remote code execution. Exploitation could lead to exposure of sensitive client data, intellectual property theft, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to data breaches. Confidentiality loss could damage reputation and result in financial penalties. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, attackers can automate exploitation at scale, increasing the likelihood of widespread compromise. The impact extends beyond individual websites to potentially enabling attackers to establish footholds within corporate networks, facilitating lateral movement and further attacks. Disruption of business operations is possible if attackers leverage the vulnerability to implant backdoors or malware. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores the urgency of mitigation. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability risk significant operational and legal consequences.

1. Immediately monitor for the release of StylemixThemes Consulting plugin version 6.7.5 or later and apply the update as soon as it becomes available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patching is possible, implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters that control file inclusion to prevent injection of remote or local file paths. 3. Deploy and configure a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block Remote File Inclusion attempts, such as suspicious URL patterns or unexpected file inclusion parameters. 4. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of customizations or integrations involving the plugin to identify and remediate insecure coding practices. 5. Monitor web server and application logs for anomalous requests that attempt to exploit file inclusion, enabling early detection of attack attempts. 6. Restrict PHP configuration settings where possible, such as disabling allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives, to reduce the risk of remote file inclusion. 7. Educate website administrators and developers about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and the risks of unsanitized input. 8. Consider isolating critical web applications in segmented network zones to limit the impact of potential compromise.