CVE-2025-14359: Oshine Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-14359 Overview

CVE-2025-14359 is a critical Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Oshine WordPress theme developed by brandexponents. This vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and potentially remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive files from the server, potentially exposing database credentials, WordPress configuration files, and other critical system information. This could lead to complete site compromise.

Affected Products

• Oshine WordPress Theme version 7.2.7 and earlier
• All WordPress installations using vulnerable Oshine theme versions
• Sites running Oshine theme without proper file inclusion protections

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-08 - CVE CVE-2025-14359 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14359

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Oshine WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include() or require() statements. This allows attackers to manipulate file path parameters to traverse directories and include arbitrary local files from the web server's filesystem.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation results in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress installation.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the Oshine theme's PHP code. When the theme processes user-supplied parameters for file inclusion operations, it fails to properly sanitize path traversal sequences (such as ../) and does not restrict the inclusion to a whitelist of allowed files. This allows attackers to escape the intended directory structure and access files anywhere on the filesystem that the web server process has permission to read.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable via network-based attacks without requiring any prior authentication. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal payloads targeting vulnerable theme endpoints. Common attack patterns include:

• Using directory traversal sequences (../) to escape the web root and access sensitive files such as /etc/passwd or WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php)
• Leveraging PHP wrapper techniques to extract source code or execute arbitrary code if log file poisoning is possible
• Chaining with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution

The vulnerability affects all Oshine theme installations from the earliest version through version 7.2.7.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14359

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting theme files
• Web server access logs showing requests for sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or other configuration files
• Failed file access attempts in PHP error logs indicating path traversal attempts
• Unexpected file read operations from the WordPress theme directory

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server logs for requests containing multiple ../ sequences or URL-encoded variants
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Use intrusion detection systems with signatures for PHP LFI attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the WordPress theme directory and PHP error logs
• Set up alerting for access attempts to sensitive system files from web processes
• Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that may indicate successful data exfiltration
• Regularly audit WordPress theme files for unauthorized modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14359

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Oshine WordPress theme to the latest patched version immediately
• Review web server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Audit WordPress configuration files and database credentials for potential compromise
• Consider temporarily disabling the Oshine theme until a patch can be applied

Patch Information

The vulnerability affects Oshine theme versions through 7.2.7. Website administrators should check for updates from brandexponents and apply the latest security patch as soon as it becomes available. For detailed vulnerability information and remediation guidance, consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Implement a Web Application Firewall with rules to block path traversal attempts
• Add server-side input validation to sanitize file path parameters
• Restrict PHP open_basedir configuration to limit file access scope
• Consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme until a patch is available

# Configuration example - Apache mod_rewrite rule to block path traversal
# Add to .htaccess in WordPress root directory
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]