CVE-2025-68563 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the WordPress plugin 'Subscribe to Unlock Lite' developed by WP Shuffle, affecting versions up to 1.3.0. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files, potentially from remote servers, leading to remote code execution on the affected web server. The vulnerability is classified as a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) but can be exploited remotely if the plugin does not properly restrict input. Exploitation requires no authentication or user interaction, making it a critical risk for publicly accessible WordPress sites using this plugin. The plugin is typically used to gate content behind subscription mechanisms, making it attractive for attackers to compromise for defacement, data theft, or pivoting into internal networks. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities historically leads to rapid weaponization. The lack of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly published vulnerability, with Patchstack as the assigner. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, highlighting the need for immediate attention from site administrators. The absence of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be released, requiring manual mitigation or temporary disabling of the plugin.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-68563 can be severe. Successful exploitation could lead to full remote code execution on web servers hosting the vulnerable plugin, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further network intrusion. This is particularly critical for organizations relying on WordPress for customer engagement, subscription services, or content delivery. Data confidentiality and integrity are at high risk, and availability may be disrupted if attackers deploy ransomware or cause service outages. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, especially for SMEs and enterprises with limited security monitoring. European data protection regulations such as GDPR impose strict requirements on data breach prevention and notification, so exploitation could also lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Organizations in sectors like e-commerce, media, and education, which commonly use subscription plugins, are especially vulnerable.

Immediate mitigation steps include: 1) Monitoring official WP Shuffle channels and Patchstack for a security patch and applying it as soon as it is released. 2) In the absence of an official patch, temporarily disabling or uninstalling the 'Subscribe to Unlock Lite' plugin to eliminate the attack surface. 3) Reviewing and sanitizing all user inputs related to file inclusion parameters in the plugin code if manual patching is feasible, ensuring strict validation and whitelisting of allowed filenames. 4) Implementing Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 5) Conducting thorough security audits and monitoring logs for signs of exploitation attempts or successful breaches. 6) Ensuring regular backups of WordPress sites and databases to enable rapid recovery. 7) Educating site administrators on the risks of installing unverified plugins and maintaining an inventory of active plugins for timely vulnerability management.