CVE-2025-15438
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in PluXml's Media Management Module allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through deserialization of manipulated file arguments. It affects all PluXml installations up to version 5.8.22 that have the media management functionality enabled. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to potentially take control of affected systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- PluXml
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers achieving remote code execution to install malware, create backdoors, or deface websites.
If Mitigated
Attack blocked at network perimeter or detected before successful exploitation, limiting impact to failed attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit details available. Attack can be launched remotely without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.8.23
Vendor Advisory: Not provided in references
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your PluXml installation and database. 2. Download PluXml 5.8.23 or later from official sources. 3. Replace affected files, particularly core/admin/medias.php. 4. Verify the patch is applied correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Media Management Module
allTemporarily disable access to the vulnerable media management functionality
# Rename or remove the vulnerable file
mv core/admin/medias.php core/admin/medias.php.disabled
Restrict Access with Web Server Rules
allBlock access to the vulnerable endpoint using web server configuration
# Apache example
<Location "/core/admin/medias.php">
Order deny,allow
Deny from all
</Location>
# Nginx example
location ~ ^/core/admin/medias\.php$ {
deny all;
return 403;
}
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate PluXml instances from critical systems
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block deserialization attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check PluXml version in admin panel or examine core/admin/medias.php file for vulnerable code patternsCheck Version:
Check PluXml admin dashboard or examine pluxml/version.txt fileVerify Fix Applied:
Verify PluXml version is 5.8.23 or later and check that core/admin/medias.php has been updated📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /core/admin/medias.php
- Deserialization errors in application logs
- Unexpected file operations in media directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with serialized payloads to media management endpoints
- Unusual outbound connections from PluXml server
SIEM Query:
source="web_access" AND (uri="/core/admin/medias.php" OR uri="/admin/medias.php") AND (method="POST" OR method="PUT")