CVE-2025-13641
CVE-2025-13641 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-98.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (49th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-204253
- Weakness: CWE-98
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Photo Gallery, Sliders, Proofing and Themes – NextGEN Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 3.59.12 via the 'template' shortcode parameter. This is due to insufficient path validation that allows absolute paths to be provided. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on the server, bypassing web server restrictions like .htaccess. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure, code execution in the WordPress context, and potential remote code execution if combined with arbitrary file upload capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-13641?
- The Photo Gallery, Sliders, Proofing and Themes – NextGEN Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 3.59.12 via the 'template' shortcode parameter. This is due to insufficient path validation that allows absolute paths to be provided. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on the server, bypassing web server restrictions like .htaccess. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure, code execution in the WordPress context, and potential remote code execution if combined with arbitrary file upload capabilities.
- How severe is CVE-2025-13641?
- CVE-2025-13641 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2025-13641 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-13641?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2025-13641 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-13641 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-204253.
- When was CVE-2025-13641 published?
- CVE-2025-13641 was published on 2025-12-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/nextgen-gallery/trunk/src/DisplayType/Controller.php#L369
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/nextgen-gallery/trunk/src/DisplayType/LegacyTemplateLocator.php#L152
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3415575/nextgen-gallery/trunk/src/DisplayType/LegacyTemplateLocator.php?old=3004370&old_path=nextgen-gallery%2Ftrunk%2Fsrc%2FDisplayType%2FLegacyTemplateLocator.php
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/0a01e1c9-67f4-4cc1-b58b-9cc141889d66?source=cve
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