CVE-2025-68985 identifies a Remote File Inclusion vulnerability in the thembay Aora PHP program, specifically versions up to 1.3.15. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and control over filenames passed to PHP include or require statements, which can be manipulated by an attacker to include remote files. This type of vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server by hosting malicious scripts remotely and forcing the vulnerable application to include them. The impact of such an attack can be severe, including remote code execution, full system compromise, data exfiltration, defacement, or pivoting to other internal systems. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers. The vulnerability affects the Aora product by thembay, a PHP-based program likely used in web environments. The lack of a CVSS score indicates the need for an expert severity assessment, which here is critical due to the potential impact and ease of exploitation. No patches or mitigations are currently linked, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from users of the affected versions.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-68985 could be substantial. Organizations running the thembay Aora PHP program on their web servers risk remote code execution attacks, which can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions. This is particularly critical for sectors such as e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and government services, where data confidentiality and service availability are paramount. Exploitation could result in theft of sensitive customer data, defacement of websites, or use of compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within corporate networks. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of automated scanning and exploitation attempts. Additionally, compromised systems could be used to launch attacks on other European entities or to distribute malware, amplifying the threat landscape. The reputational damage and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches further elevate the risk for European organizations.

To mitigate CVE-2025-68985, organizations should immediately monitor for updates or patches from thembay and apply them as soon as they become available. In the interim, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data that could influence file inclusion paths. Disable PHP's allow_url_include directive to prevent inclusion of remote files, and ensure allow_url_fopen is disabled if not required. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and refactor any unsafe include/require statements. Restrict file permissions on web servers to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regularly audit server logs for unusual access patterns or errors related to file inclusion. Finally, educate development teams on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases.