CVE-2025-68540 is a vulnerability classified as improper control of filename for include/require statements in the PHP-based thembay Fana product, versions up to 1.1.35. This vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit PHP Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI) by manipulating the filename parameter used in include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. When exploited, this can enable an attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code by including malicious remote files or sensitive local files, potentially leading to full system compromise, data leakage, or denial of service. The vulnerability stems from the failure to restrict or validate user input that controls file inclusion paths, a common issue in PHP applications. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is critical due to the nature of PHP file inclusion mechanisms and the potential impact. The vulnerability affects the thembay Fana product, which is used in PHP environments, often in web applications or CMS contexts. The lack of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly published vulnerability (December 2025) with limited public information. The vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely if the vulnerable parameter is exposed via web requests. The absence of patches or mitigations at the time of publication increases the urgency for affected users to implement interim controls.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-68540 can be severe. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of affected web servers. This compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and services. Organizations running thembay Fana in their web infrastructure risk data breaches, defacement, or use of their servers as pivot points for further attacks. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often rely on PHP-based web applications, could face significant operational disruptions and reputational damage. The vulnerability also poses risks to compliance with GDPR due to potential personal data exposure. Since the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication and requires no user interaction, the attack surface is broad, especially for internet-facing applications. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation but also means attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details are publicized.

1. Monitor the vendor thembay for official patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-68540 and apply them immediately upon release. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters that influence file inclusion paths, using whitelisting approaches where possible. 3. Disable PHP settings that allow remote file inclusion, such as setting 'allow_url_include' to 'Off' and 'allow_url_fopen' to 'Off' in php.ini. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts targeting known vulnerable parameters. 5. Conduct code reviews and audits of custom PHP code to identify and remediate unsafe include/require usage. 6. Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of any successful file inclusion exploit. 7. Use network segmentation to isolate web servers and limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 8. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans tailored to web application compromise scenarios. 9. Educate developers and administrators on secure PHP coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.