CVE-2025-69990 identifies a critical security flaw in the phpgurukul News Portal Project version 4.1, where the remove_file.php script improperly handles the 'file' parameter. This parameter is intended to specify files for deletion but lacks sufficient validation or sanitization, enabling an attacker to specify arbitrary file paths. Consequently, an attacker can delete any file on the server that the web application has permission to remove, including configuration files, application code, or critical system files. This vulnerability is a classic example of arbitrary file deletion, which can lead to denial of service by removing essential files or facilitate further attacks by deleting logs or security controls. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it susceptible to remote exploitation by unauthenticated attackers. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the simplicity of the attack vector and the potential impact make it a significant threat. The lack of a CVSS score indicates the need for an independent severity assessment based on the vulnerability's characteristics. The vulnerability affects all deployments of phpgurukul News Portal Project V4.1 that have not implemented custom mitigations or patches. The absence of official patches or advisories at this time necessitates immediate attention from administrators and developers to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations, the arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in phpgurukul News Portal Project V4.1 could lead to severe operational disruptions. Deletion of critical files may cause website outages, loss of important data, or corruption of the news portal’s content management system, impacting business continuity and reputation. Attackers could also delete security logs or configuration files, hindering incident response and enabling persistent attacks. Media companies and news organizations relying on this software are particularly at risk, as their websites are often targeted for disruption or censorship. The loss of availability and integrity of news content can have broader societal impacts, including misinformation or loss of public trust. Additionally, if the web server runs with elevated privileges, the impact could extend to the underlying operating system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability’s ease of exploitation and lack of authentication requirements increase the likelihood of automated attacks, which could rapidly affect multiple organizations across Europe. Compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR may also be jeopardized if data loss or service interruptions occur due to this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-69990, organizations should immediately audit the remove_file.php script and any related file deletion functionality within the phpgurukul News Portal Project. Implement strict validation and sanitization of the 'file' parameter to ensure only authorized files within designated directories can be deleted. Employ allowlists for file paths and reject any input containing directory traversal sequences or absolute paths. Restrict file system permissions so that the web application user has minimal rights, preventing deletion of critical system or configuration files. Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests targeting file deletion endpoints and deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. If possible, isolate the news portal environment to limit the blast radius of any successful attack. Regularly back up website content and configuration files to enable rapid restoration in case of file deletion. Engage with the software vendor or community to obtain or develop patches and apply them promptly once available. Finally, conduct security awareness training for developers and administrators on secure coding practices related to file handling.