CVE-2025-67935 is a vulnerability in the Mikado-Themes Optimize WordPress plugin that arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the filename input to include remote or local files, leading to Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI). Such vulnerabilities enable attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Optimize plugin prior to 2.4. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 reflects a high-severity issue with network attack vector (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an unauthenticated attacker can remotely exploit the vulnerability without user interaction, but the attack complexity is high, possibly requiring specific conditions or crafted payloads. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2025 and published in January 2026. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the nature of RFI/LFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers aiming to execute malicious code, steal sensitive data, or disrupt services. The plugin is used in WordPress environments, which are widely deployed across Europe, making this vulnerability relevant for many organizations. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may be forthcoming or users should upgrade to version 2.4 or later when available. The vulnerability is critical for web servers running the affected plugin, as exploitation can lead to full server compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-67935 can be severe. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over web servers hosting WordPress sites using the Mikado-Themes Optimize plugin. This can result in data breaches, defacement of websites, deployment of malware or ransomware, and disruption of online services. Organizations handling sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or critical business functions via affected websites face confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks. The high CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability could be exploited remotely without authentication, increasing the attack surface. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, especially in sectors like e-commerce, media, and public services, the potential for large-scale impact exists. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as launchpads for further attacks within corporate networks or to distribute malicious content to end users. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the risk of future exploitation remains high.

1. Immediately identify all WordPress installations using the Mikado-Themes Optimize plugin and determine their version. 2. Upgrade the plugin to version 2.4 or later as soon as the patch is officially released. 3. Until patching is possible, implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters that influence file inclusion paths, ideally disabling dynamic file inclusion if feasible. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts, such as requests containing URL-encoded payloads or traversal sequences. 5. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests targeting include/require parameters or attempts to access unexpected files. 6. Restrict PHP configurations to disable allow_url_include and limit file system access permissions for the web server user to minimize damage from potential exploitation. 7. Conduct security audits and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities in the affected environments. 8. Educate development and operations teams about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and parameter handling. 9. Consider isolating critical web applications in segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement if compromise occurs.