CVE-2025-7327 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the 'Widget for Google Reviews' WordPress plugin developed by techlabpro1. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames used in include or require statements in PHP programs, commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. Specifically, the flaw exists in all versions up to and including 1.0.15 of the plugin and is triggered via the 'layout' parameter. An authenticated attacker with Subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit this vulnerability to perform directory traversal, allowing them to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on the server. This means that even users with minimal access rights can escalate their privileges by injecting PHP code through files that the plugin includes. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass access controls, access sensitive data, and execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full server compromise. The attack vector is remote network-based (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), and only requires privileges equivalent to a Subscriber role (PR:L) without any user interaction (UI:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No patches have been published yet, and no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, but the high CVSS score of 8.8 indicates a critical need for remediation. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because WordPress plugins are widely used, and the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code can lead to complete takeover of the affected web server.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7327 can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress websites with the 'Widget for Google Reviews' plugin installed. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or internal systems if the compromised server is part of a larger network. The ability to execute arbitrary PHP code can allow attackers to implant backdoors, pivot within the network, or disrupt services, causing reputational damage and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches. E-commerce sites, government portals, and media companies using this plugin are at particular risk. Given the low privilege required for exploitation, insider threats or compromised low-level accounts can be leveraged to escalate attacks. The lack of available patches increases the window of exposure, making timely detection and mitigation critical. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used to bypass access controls, undermining trust in the affected organization's web infrastructure.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the affected plugin by limiting Subscriber-level users from interacting with the 'layout' parameter or disabling the plugin entirely until a patch is available. 2. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns and suspicious include requests targeting the 'layout' parameter. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of user roles and permissions to ensure that only trusted users have Subscriber or higher access, minimizing the risk of insider exploitation. 4. Monitor web server logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or unexpected PHP file executions. 5. Employ file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to PHP files on the server. 6. Segregate the web server environment to limit the impact of a potential compromise, using containerization or virtual machines. 7. Once available, promptly apply vendor patches or updates addressing this vulnerability. 8. Educate site administrators about the risks of installing unvetted plugins and encourage regular plugin updates and security reviews.