CVE-2025-68870 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-98, involving improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements within the reDim GmbH CookieHint WP plugin for WordPress. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the filename parameter to include remote or local files, leading to Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI). Such inclusion can enable attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially gaining full control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects versions of CookieHint WP up to 1.0.0, though the exact affected versions are not fully enumerated. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5, indicating high severity, with an attack vector over the network (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No patches or exploit code are publicly available yet, but the vulnerability's nature makes it a critical risk for web servers running the vulnerable plugin. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input used in PHP include/require statements, a common vector for code injection attacks in PHP applications. This can lead to data leakage, website defacement, malware deployment, or full server compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-68870 is significant due to the widespread use of WordPress and related plugins in business, government, and e-commerce websites. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal information protected under GDPR, intellectual property theft, and disruption of online services. The ability to execute arbitrary code can also facilitate further lateral movement within corporate networks, increasing the risk of ransomware or espionage attacks. Public sector websites and critical infrastructure relying on WordPress plugins like CookieHint WP are particularly vulnerable to reputational damage and operational disruption. The requirement for user interaction may limit automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in phishing or social engineering scenarios. The high attack complexity suggests that exploitation might require some skill, but the lack of required privileges lowers the barrier for attackers targeting publicly accessible web servers. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive defense, but organizations should not delay remediation.

Organizations should immediately inventory their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the reDim GmbH CookieHint WP plugin and its version. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate exposure. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths, ensuring only trusted and fixed filenames are used. Configure PHP settings to disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives to prevent remote file inclusion. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting suspicious include/require patterns and monitor web server logs for anomalous requests attempting file inclusion. Educate users about phishing risks to reduce the likelihood of user interaction facilitating exploitation. Once a patch is available, apply it promptly and verify the fix through testing. Regularly update all WordPress plugins and core installations to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities. Conduct security audits and penetration testing focusing on file inclusion vulnerabilities to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.