CVE-2025-68546 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw exists in Thembay's Nika product, versions up to 1.2.14, and allows remote file inclusion (RFI). RFI vulnerabilities enable attackers to include remote files, typically malicious scripts, which the PHP interpreter then executes. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, defacement, or denial of service. The vulnerability arises because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in file inclusion functions, allowing an attacker to specify arbitrary URLs or file paths. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflects a high severity, with attack vector being network-based (AV:N), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers due to the potential for remote code execution. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, indicating it is a recent discovery. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting increases the urgency for mitigation through alternative controls. Thembay Nika is a PHP-based product, likely used in web applications, making web servers running this software vulnerable to remote compromise if exposed to the internet or untrusted networks.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive data, full system compromise, defacement of websites, and disruption of services. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations could face data breaches, regulatory penalties under GDPR, reputational damage, and operational downtime. The vulnerability's network accessibility and lack of required user interaction increase the risk of automated exploitation attempts. Organizations relying on Thembay Nika for e-commerce, content management, or other web-facing services are particularly at risk. The potential for remote code execution means attackers could pivot within networks, escalate privileges, and deploy further malware or ransomware. This is especially critical for sectors like finance, healthcare, and government within Europe, where data protection and service continuity are paramount. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense but also means attackers might be developing exploits, increasing future risk.

Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting the vulnerable functionality by applying strict input validation and sanitization to all user-supplied data used in include/require statements. Implement allowlisting of file paths and disallow remote URLs in file inclusion parameters. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting suspicious file inclusion patterns to detect and block exploitation attempts. Isolate web servers running Thembay Nika in segmented network zones with minimal privileges and monitor logs for unusual file inclusion requests. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or limiting the use of dynamic file inclusion features if feasible. Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and remediate similar insecure coding practices. Regularly update PHP and related dependencies to the latest secure versions. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding standards to prevent recurrence. Finally, prepare incident response plans specific to web application compromises involving RFI vulnerabilities.