CVE-2025-32141

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-32141 - MasterStudy LMS PHP Local File Inclusion

This document outlines the remediation and mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-32141, a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the MasterStudy LMS plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability Name: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (‘PHP Remote File Inclusion’) leading to PHP Local File Inclusion
  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-32141
  • Affected Software: MasterStudy LMS plugin
  • Affected Versions: Versions up to and including 3.5.23
  • Vulnerability Type: PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI)
  • Description: The MasterStudy LMS plugin allows a malicious actor to include or require arbitrary files from the server’s local filesystem due to improper control of filename used in include/require statements in PHP code. This means an attacker could potentially read sensitive files, execute arbitrary PHP code, or gain further access to the server.
  • Reported By: Patchstack
  • Reference: Patchstack 202500032141

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
  • Explanation: The high CVSS score reflects the significant impact of this vulnerability. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can remotely exploit this vulnerability without user interaction, potentially leading to complete compromise of the system (confidentiality, integrity, and availability).

3. Known Exploit:

While the specifics of the exploit are not explicitly provided, the vulnerability type (PHP Local File Inclusion) is well-understood, and generic LFI exploits can likely be adapted to target the affected MasterStudy LMS plugin.

  • Potential Exploitation Vectors:
    • Reading sensitive files like /etc/passwd, database configuration files, or plugin source code.
    • Executing arbitrary PHP code by including log files or uploading malicious code through other vulnerabilities (if present) and then including the uploaded file.
    • Using PHP filters and wrappers to encode the input and bypass security measures in place.

4. Remediation Strategy:

The primary remediation strategy is to update the MasterStudy LMS plugin to a version that addresses the vulnerability. Check the plugin developer’s website or the WordPress plugin repository for updates.

  • Immediate Action:
    • Update to the Latest Version: Immediately update MasterStudy LMS to the latest version (greater than 3.5.23) as soon as a patch is released by the plugin developer. This is the most effective solution.

5. Mitigation Strategy (If Immediate Patching is Not Possible):

If updating is not immediately feasible, implement the following mitigation measures. These are temporary solutions and should be replaced with the official patch as soon as it’s available.

  • Input Validation and Sanitization: Identify the vulnerable PHP script(s) and thoroughly review the code related to file inclusion. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters used to construct file paths.

    • Whitelist Allowed Files: Instead of using user-supplied input directly in include/require statements, maintain a whitelist of allowed files and use a mapping function to translate user input into a valid file path.

    • Sanitize User Input: Use PHP’s built-in functions (e.g., realpath(), basename(), filter_var()) to sanitize user-provided filenames. Ensure that the input does not contain directory traversal sequences (../) or other potentially harmful characters.

    • Example (Conceptual):

    // Example - Replace with actual code from the vulnerable script

    $allowed_files = array( ‘page1’ => ‘includes/page1.php’, ‘page2’ => ‘includes/page2.php’ );

    $page = $_GET[‘page’];

    if (array_key_exists($page, $allowed_files)) { include($allowed_files[$page]); } else { echo “Invalid page requested.”; } ?>

  • Disable allow_url_include: Ensure that the allow_url_include directive in php.ini is set to Off. This prevents remote file inclusion vulnerabilities, which can sometimes be chained with LFI vulnerabilities for greater impact.

  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: Deploy a WAF and configure rules to detect and block attempts to exploit LFI vulnerabilities. Look for patterns like directory traversal sequences (../), common sensitive file paths (/etc/passwd), or attempts to include files with extensions like .php.

  • File System Permissions: Review and harden file system permissions to restrict access to sensitive files. Ensure that the web server user only has the necessary permissions to access the required files.

  • Monitor Logs: Monitor web server logs for suspicious activity, such as attempts to access unusual files or patterns that suggest directory traversal. Implement alerts to notify administrators of potential attacks.

  • Least Privilege Principle: Apply the principle of least privilege to all user accounts. Ensure that users only have the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.

6. Verification:

After applying the remediation or mitigation measures, verify that the vulnerability has been successfully addressed.

  • Penetration Testing: Engage a security professional to conduct penetration testing to verify that the LFI vulnerability can no longer be exploited.
  • Code Review: Perform a thorough code review of the vulnerable PHP script(s) to ensure that the input validation and sanitization measures are effective.
  • Automated Scanners: Use automated vulnerability scanners to check for the presence of the vulnerability.

7. Ongoing Monitoring:

  • Stay Informed: Subscribe to security advisories and newsletters from the MasterStudy LMS plugin developer, Patchstack, and other reputable security sources to stay informed about new vulnerabilities and security updates.
  • Regular Updates: Regularly update the MasterStudy LMS plugin and other software components to patch known vulnerabilities.
  • Log Analysis: Continuously monitor web server logs for suspicious activity.

Disclaimer: This remediation/mitigation strategy is provided as a general guideline. The specific steps required to address CVE-2025-32141 may vary depending on the specific configuration and environment of the MasterStudy LMS plugin. It is recommended to consult with a security professional to ensure that the remediation and mitigation measures are appropriate for your environment.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-04-04 15:58:33
  • Updated Date: 2025-04-04 16:15:22

More Details

CVE-2025-32141