CVE-2025-10897: WooCommerce Designer Pro File Read Flaw

CVE-2025-10897 Overview

The WooCommerce Designer Pro theme for WordPress contains an arbitrary file read vulnerability in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.28. This path traversal flaw (CWE-22) allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as database credentials when files like wp-config.php are accessed.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can read sensitive server files including wp-config.php, exposing database credentials and potentially leading to full site compromise.

Affected Products

• WooCommerce Designer Pro theme for WordPress versions up to and including 1.9.28
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-10-31 - CVE CVE-2025-10897 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-10897

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as a Path Traversal (CWE-22) issue that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the target server. The flaw exists in the WooCommerce Designer Pro theme's file handling functionality, where insufficient validation of user-supplied input allows attackers to traverse directory paths and access files outside the intended directory scope.

The most significant impact is the potential exposure of the wp-config.php file, which contains critical WordPress configuration data including database credentials, authentication keys, and security salts. Access to this information could enable attackers to directly connect to the database, escalate privileges, or chain with other attacks for full site compromise.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in file path handling within the WooCommerce Designer Pro theme. The theme fails to adequately sanitize user-controlled input before using it to construct file paths, allowing path traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory and access arbitrary files on the system.

Attack Vector

The attack can be performed remotely over the network without authentication. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable WordPress installation, manipulating file path parameters to include directory traversal sequences. When processed by the vulnerable theme component, the server returns the contents of the requested file.

The vulnerability allows attackers to target sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database connection strings, table prefixes, and WordPress security keys. Successful exploitation provides attackers with credentials that can be used for database access, credential stuffing attacks, or further lateral movement within the infrastructure.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-10897

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting WordPress theme directories
• Access log entries showing requests for sensitive files like wp-config.php through theme endpoints
• Unexpected database access from external IP addresses following successful exploitation
• Web application firewall alerts for path traversal attack patterns

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing directory traversal patterns targeting the WooCommerce Designer Pro theme
• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive WordPress configuration files
• Review database access logs for unauthorized connections using WordPress credentials

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for WordPress theme file access operations
• Configure SIEM alerts for path traversal attack signatures in web traffic
• Monitor for unusual file read operations from web server processes
• Establish baseline network behavior to detect anomalous database connections following potential exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-10897

Immediate Actions Required

• Update WooCommerce Designer Pro theme to a version newer than 1.9.28 if a patched version is available
• If no patch is available, consider disabling or removing the vulnerable theme until a fix is released
• Implement web application firewall rules to block path traversal attempts
• Rotate database credentials and WordPress security keys if exploitation is suspected
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Organizations should check the Codecanyon Product Listing for updated versions of the WooCommerce Designer Pro theme. Additional vulnerability details and remediation guidance are available in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block path traversal attacks
• Restrict file system permissions to limit web server access to only necessary directories
• Move sensitive configuration files outside the web root where possible
• Implement network segmentation to limit database access from web servers

# Example .htaccess rule to block path traversal attempts
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]