Plugin Name	WordPress Widget for Google Reviews plugin
Type of Vulnerability	Local File Inclusion
CVE Number	CVE-2025-7327
Urgency	High
CVE Publish Date	2026-02-10
Source URL	CVE-2025-7327

Urgent Security Advisory: Local File Inclusion Vulnerability in “Widget for Google Reviews” Plugin — Immediate Action Required

Date: February 10, 2026
Vulnerability: Authenticated Directory Traversal leading to Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Affected Versions: All versions up to 1.0.15
Fixed In: Version 1.0.16
CVE Identifier: CVE-2025-7327
Severity Level: High (CVSS Score: 8.8)

The “Widget for Google Reviews” WordPress plugin, widely used for displaying business reviews, has a critical Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. This flaw enables an authenticated user with at least Subscriber-level access to perform directory traversal attacks resulting in arbitrary local file inclusions. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files such as wp-config.php—containing database credentials—and may culminate in full site takeover.

As seasoned WordPress security professionals at Managed-WP, we provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of this vulnerability and detailed recommendations to safeguard your site immediately.

• Understanding the vulnerability’s mechanism and impact.
• Identifying real-world exploitation risks.
• Short-term mitigations while preparing plugin updates.
• Long-term hardening and incident response strategies.
• How Managed-WP’s advanced security services protect your WordPress environment.

Follow the actionable guidance below to secure your WordPress assets against this threat.

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Executive Summary: What You Must Do Right Now

1. Update the Widget for Google Reviews plugin to version 1.0.16 immediately.
2. If immediate update is not feasible, disable or remove the plugin temporarily.
3. Audit all users—especially Subscriber accounts—and remove suspicious or unrecognized users.
4. Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to block directory traversal and LFI payloads targeting plugin endpoints. Managed-WP offers instant virtual patching for this vulnerability.
5. Perform a thorough incident investigation: scan for webshells, unauthorized files, unexpected new users, and suspicious scheduled tasks. Isolate compromised sites promptly.

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Understanding the Vulnerability (Layman’s Terms)

This flaw combines directory traversal with Local File Inclusion. It occurs because the plugin improperly handles user-provided input when referencing files, allowing an authenticated user with subscriber permissions to trick the system into including arbitrary local server files. Attackers exploit this by navigating outside the intended file directory structure and accessing sensitive data.

Potential consequences include reading critical configuration files and secrets that can lead to unauthorized control over your website and its data.

• Required privilege: Subscriber (commonly permitted on many WordPress sites).
• Exploitation occurs remotely via HTTP(S).
• Upstream fix available in version 1.0.16.
• High severity due to risk of full site compromise (CVSS 8.8).

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How Directory Traversal and LFI Work (High-Level Explanation)

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities let attackers manipulate file paths to include arbitrary server files into a web response. Directory traversal is achieved by inserting sequences like ../ in file parameters to move up the directory tree, bypassing intended file restrictions.

For example, the vulnerable code might look like this in pseudocode:

• Receives user input (e.g., file parameter) from an authenticated user.
• Constructs a file path by concatenating plugin path and user input — e.g., include(PLUGIN_DIR . '/templates/' . $_GET['file']);
• Without proper validation, an attacker can submit ../../../wp-config.php to include sensitive files.

Note: This explanation is for understanding purposes only — no exploit code is shared.

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Why This Vulnerability Is Particularly Dangerous

• Subscriber-level account requirement lowers the attack barrier — user registrations often grant this level.
• Access to wp-config.php discloses database credentials and salts — entry points for database access and site takeover.
• With database control, attackers can add admin users, extract sensitive data, or inject malicious content.
• LFI can facilitate remote code execution by leveraging webshells or PHP wrappers (e.g., php://input).
• Server-side exploitation leaves minimal traces in the UI — careful log and filesystem review is necessary.

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Who Is Most at Risk

• Sites running “Widget for Google Reviews” plugin versions ≤ 1.0.15.
• Sites permitting user registrations or with Subscriber-level accounts.
• Hosting providers, agencies, and managed service providers running multiple client sites.

If you fall into any of these categories, treat this as an urgent matter.

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Immediate Steps to Mitigate Risk (First 48 Hours)

1. Upgrade the plugin to version 1.0.16.
2. If you cannot upgrade immediately:
   • Disable or remove the plugin.
   • Limit or suspend new user registrations.
3. Review and clean suspicious Subscriber accounts.
4. Rotate secrets: database passwords, API keys, salts, etc. (note salt rotation affects sessions).
5. Monitor access logs for traversal patterns (../, %2e%2e) and unusual file disclosures.
6. Isolate compromised sites if indicators of breach are found.

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Detection: What to Monitor in Logs & Scans

• Requests targeting plugin endpoints containing directory traversal payloads or suspicious parameters.
• Unexpected full file content responses from sensitive files like wp-config.php.
• Increases in requests from identical IPs or users showing suspicious behavior.
• Unexpected admin account creation or file changes.
• Run malware and file integrity scanners frequently to detect anomalies.

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Practical Mitigations You Can Apply Immediately

• Deploy virtual patching via a Web Application Firewall to block directory traversal patterns.
• Block PHP wrapper payloads: php://, data:, expect:.
• Disable PHP execution in upload directories.
• Restrict web access to wp-config.php and other config files.
• Limit or disable user registration until update and audit are complete.
• Enforce strong authentication controls including 2FA and IP whitelisting for admins.

Managed-WP customers benefit from immediate virtual patching rules that guard against these payloads while preparing upgrades.

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The Importance of Virtual Patching (WAF)

Virtual patching acts as a critical protective shield blocking exploit attempts before they hit vulnerable code. This is vital in cases where:

• Immediate patch deployment is delayed due to testing or compatibility concerns.
• Exploit attempts are actively observed in the wild requiring fast containment.

Managed-WP’s WAF rules detect and block traversal patterns and attempts to access sensitive files, rate-limit abuse, and provide detailed logging and alerting.

Remember: Virtual patching is not a replacement for applying the official plugin update.

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How Managed-WP Protects Your WordPress Site

• Expert-managed, continuously updated WAF rules targeting plugin vulnerabilities.
• Automated malware scanning and file integrity monitoring.
• OWASP Top 10 threat mitigation tailored to WordPress environments.
• Instant virtual patch deployment on newly disclosed high-risk vulnerabilities.
• Unlimited bandwidth and managed firewall protections, even in Free Basic tier.
• Advanced plans include automated malware removal, IP control, detailed reporting, and concierge support.

For agencies and hosts managing numerous sites, Managed-WP enables scalable, centralized security with rapid response capabilities.

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Responsible Disclosure and Safe Testing Practices

• Test only in authorized staging or development environments.
• Never share exploit code publicly as this enables malicious abuse.
• Site owners should verify their exposure with non-production environments before remediation.

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Incident Response Checklist: If You Suspect Your Site Has Been Compromised

1. Contain: Disable the vulnerable plugin or take the site offline. Change admin passwords and enforce resets.
2. Preserve: Secure logs and backups for forensic analysis without overwriting existing data.
3. Investigate: Scan file systems for unknown files and webshells, verify database integrity and user roles.
4. Clean: Remove any backdoors or malicious files manually or with trusted tools. Consider restore from verified clean backups.
5. Remediate: Update vulnerable plugins and other components. Apply security hardening measures such as disabling file editing.
6. Monitor: Continue observing logs and firewall events for suspicious re-attempts.
7. Learn: Document incident details and update security policies. Inform stakeholders as appropriate.

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Detection Signatures & Example WAF Rules

1. Block requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, %2e%2e) in query parameters or payloads.
2. Deny parameters referencing sensitive filenames (e.g., wp-config.php, .env).
3. Prevent usage of PHP wrappers (php://, data:, expect:) in user input.
4. Limit parameters to whitelisted values where applicable (e.g., known templates).
5. Rate-limit repeated suspicious access attempts by user or IP.
6. Log and alert on detections for rapid response.

Managed-WP’s managed rules implement these protections optimized to minimize false positives while blocking attacks.

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Recommended Hardening Measures for Long-Term Security

• Regularly update WordPress core, plugins, and themes after testing.
• Remove unused plugins/themes to reduce attack surface.
• Enforce least privilege user roles; disable unnecessary registrations.
• Implement two-factor authentication for all privileged accounts.
• Disable file editing via admin by adding define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); in wp-config.php.
• Set appropriate file and directory permissions; protect wp-config.php.
• Move wp-config.php above webroot if hosting supports it.
• Restrict PHP execution in upload directories.
• Maintain frequent, tested offsite backups.
• Apply defense-in-depth: combine WAF, hardened config, monitoring, and backups.

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For Agencies and Hosting Providers: Scale Security Oversight

• Deploy centralized WAF controls with quick response deployment.
• Maintain detailed inventories of plugins and versions across sites.
• Automate plugin update workflows with staging/testing.
• Deliver security reports and incident notifications to clients.
• Implement continuous vulnerability scanning and virtual patch application.

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Post-Exploitation Risks: What Attackers Do After LFI

• Extract database credentials and access user data remotely.
• Create administrator accounts to maintain persistent access.
• Deploy webshells or backdoors enabling remote command execution.
• Pivot to additional systems or exfiltrate valuable information.
• Install ransomware or cryptomining malware if environment allows.

Timely detection and containment reduce impact. WAFs block initial exploitation but comprehensive incident management is critical post-disclosure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are small websites likely targets?
A: Yes, especially if open registration is enabled. The vulnerability only requires a Subscriber account, which can often be created publicly.

Q: Will my existing firewall or CDN protect me?
A: Not necessarily. Only a WAF configured to detect traversal and LFI payloads stops this attack effectively.

Q: Can I simply disable Subscriber accounts?
A: Disabling new registrations reduces risk but may not be feasible for all sites. Enforce verification and WAF protections if Subscribers are needed.

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Start Secure with Managed-WP’s Free Basic Plan

Need an immediate safety net while updating? Managed-WP’s Free Basic Plan offers essential protections including managed firewall, automatic WAF coverage, unlimited bandwidth, and malware scanning focused on OWASP Top 10 risks. It’s designed for quick protection while you plan updates and audits. For enhanced automation, virtual patching, and priority support, our Standard and Pro plans deliver enterprise-grade oversight.

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Administrator’s Action Checklist

1. Immediately update to Widget for Google Reviews plugin version 1.0.16.
2. If unable to update immediately, disable or remove the vulnerable plugin.
3. Audit Subscriber accounts and remove suspicious users.
4. Review logs for directory traversal payloads and unexpected disclosures.
5. Rotate exposed credentials (DB passwords, API keys, salts).
6. Apply WAF rules blocking traversal, LFI, and sensitive file access.
7. Conduct a full malware and file integrity scan.
8. Restore from clean backups if compromise is confirmed.
9. Harden the site: disable file editing, restrict PHP execution, secure configuration files.
10. Continuously monitor for suspicious activities and document findings.

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Final Recommendations From Managed-WP Security Experts

This LFI vulnerability highlights key lessons in WordPress security:

1. Never implicitly trust user-supplied data, even from low-privilege users — always validate and whitelist.
2. Speed of response is critical. Virtual patching by WAF bridges the gap between disclosure and plugin updates.

Businesses running multiple sites or depending on uptime must adopt a layered security strategy: prompt updates, thorough hardening, strong monitoring, regular backups, and managed WAF protection. Managed-WP’s Free Basic plan offers immediate defense against common web threats including directory traversal and LFI payloads. Standard and Pro tiers enhance automation, incident remediation, and reporting for larger operations.

Stay proactive: update swiftly, monitor diligently, and leverage Managed-WP’s expertise to secure your WordPress environment.

— The Managed-WP Security Team

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