CVE-2025-14502
Local File Inclusion in WordPress News and Blog Designer Plugin
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Last updated on: 2026-01-14
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| unknown_vendor | news_and_blog_designer_bundle | to 1.1 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-22 | The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability, CVE-2025-14502, exists in the WordPress plugin 'News and Blog Designer Bundle' up to version 1.1. It is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability caused by improper sanitization and validation of user-supplied parameters in an AJAX handler function. Specifically, the plugin dynamically includes PHP template files based on a 'template' parameter from unauthenticated AJAX requests without strict validation. This allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on the server, potentially leading to code execution, bypassing access controls, or accessing sensitive data. [1]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can have severe impacts including allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. This can lead to full compromise of the affected WordPress site, including bypassing access controls, stealing sensitive information, defacing the website, or using the server to launch further attacks. Because the vulnerability allows code execution, it can result in complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. [1]
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability can be detected by monitoring for AJAX POST requests to the WordPress AJAX endpoint that invoke the action 'nbdb_fetch_more_post'. Specifically, look for POST requests containing the 'shrt_param' parameter with a 'template' value that may attempt to include arbitrary PHP files. You can use network monitoring tools or command-line utilities like curl to test the endpoint. For example, a command to test might be: curl -X POST -d 'action=nbdb_fetch_more_post&shrt_param[template]=../../../../etc/passwd' https://yourwordpresssite.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php -v. Additionally, scanning your WordPress installation for the presence of the vulnerable plugin version (up to 1.1) can help detect exposure. [1]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include updating the News and Blog Designer Bundle plugin to a version later than 1.1 where this vulnerability is fixed. If an update is not yet available, restrict access to the AJAX endpoint by disabling or limiting unauthenticated AJAX actions related to 'nbdb_fetch_more_post'. Additionally, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious requests attempting to exploit the 'template' parameter for Local File Inclusion. Removing or disabling the vulnerable plugin until a patch is applied is also recommended. [1]