Overview
CVE-2025-11973 identifies a critical Arbitrary File Read vulnerability affecting the 简数采集器 WordPress plugin. This vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 2.6.3. It allows authenticated attackers with Administrator-level access or higher to potentially read sensitive files on the server. This vulnerability stems from insecure handling of the __kds_flag functionality when importing featured images.
Technical Details
The vulnerability lies within the __kds_flag functionality, used to import featured images. Due to insufficient input validation and sanitization, an attacker with administrative privileges can manipulate the file path provided to the import function. By crafting a specific request, an attacker can bypass intended security checks and force the plugin to read arbitrary files on the server, regardless of their location within the file system. This is possible because the plugin fails to adequately restrict file paths to only the intended media directories.
CVSS Analysis
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-11973
- Severity: MEDIUM
- CVSS Score: 4.9
A CVSS score of 4.9 indicates a MEDIUM severity. While the exploit requires authentication and administrative privileges, the potential impact is significant due to the possibility of reading sensitive files. The CVSS vector reflects the need for elevated privileges and the potential confidentiality impact. The actual CVSS vector string would depend on the complete assessment, including attack vector, complexity, privileges required, user interaction, scope, confidentiality impact, integrity impact, and availability impact, but a score of 4.9 suggests factors that limit the scope and impact.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to:
- Read configuration files containing database credentials.
- Access sensitive data, such as API keys and secrets.
- Obtain source code, potentially revealing further vulnerabilities.
- Compromise user accounts by accessing password hashes.
The impact can range from information disclosure to complete server compromise, depending on the files accessible to the attacker.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
- Update the Plugin: The primary mitigation step is to update the 简数采集器 plugin to the latest version as soon as a patched version is released by the plugin developers. This patch will address the input validation issues and prevent arbitrary file reads.
- Disable the Plugin (If no update is available): If an update is not yet available, consider temporarily disabling the 简数采集器 plugin until a patched version is released. This will prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.
- Restrict User Privileges (temporary solution): As a temporary measure, limit the number of users with administrator-level access. This reduces the attack surface by limiting the number of accounts that could potentially be used to exploit the vulnerability. However, this is NOT a replacement for patching the plugin.
- Monitor Activity: Monitor WordPress logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual file access patterns.
References
简数采集器 WordPress Plugin Page
Wordfence Threat Intelligence Report on CVE-2025-11973
