CVE-2025-24761 Overview
CVE-2025-24761 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the snstheme DSK WordPress theme. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames passed to PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local PHP files, leading to code execution within the WordPress runtime context. The issue affects all DSK theme versions prior to 2.4. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress installation.
Critical Impact
Network-based attackers without authentication can include arbitrary local PHP files, enabling code execution and full site compromise on WordPress sites running DSK theme versions earlier than 2.4.
Affected Products
- snstheme DSK WordPress theme versions prior to 2.4
- WordPress installations using the DSK theme
- Sites bundling vulnerable DSK template files
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-17 - CVE CVE-2025-24761 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24761
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The DSK theme accepts user-controlled input and passes it into a PHP file inclusion function without sufficient validation or path restriction. An unauthenticated remote attacker can supply crafted parameters that direct the include statement to a path of their choosing on the local file system.
Once a controlled path is included, PHP parses and executes the target file. Attackers commonly chain this with file upload primitives, log poisoning, or session file abuse to achieve remote code execution. Even without code execution, LFI exposes sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, leaking database credentials and authentication keys.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or inadequate sanitization of file path input prior to use in a PHP include or require call. The theme does not enforce an allowlist of permitted templates and fails to neutralize directory traversal sequences, enabling attackers to escape the intended template directory.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against the WordPress HTTP interface. No authentication or user interaction is required, though the high attack complexity reflects conditions that must be satisfied for reliable exploitation. An attacker submits a crafted HTTP request supplying a malicious value to a vulnerable theme parameter, causing the server to include and execute the targeted file. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24761
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants targeting DSK theme endpoints
- Web server access logs showing requests to theme PHP files with unexpected file, page, or template query parameters
- Unexpected PHP processes spawning shell utilities or outbound network connections from the web server
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress and web server access logs for parameter values referencing system files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or PHP wrappers such as php://filter
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) signatures for LFI patterns and traversal payloads against /wp-content/themes/dsk/ paths
- Monitor file integrity of WordPress core and theme directories to detect attacker-staged payloads
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on PHP child processes invoking interpreters or system binaries from the web server user context
- Track outbound connections originating from PHP-FPM or Apache worker processes to identify post-exploitation activity
- Review theme version inventory across managed WordPress fleets to identify DSK installations below version 2.4
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24761
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade the snstheme DSK theme to version 2.4 or later on all WordPress instances
- Audit web server logs for prior exploitation attempts against DSK theme endpoints
- Rotate WordPress secrets, database credentials, and API keys if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
The vendor addressed the vulnerability in DSK theme version 2.4. Administrators should update through the WordPress theme management interface or by replacing the theme directory with the patched release. Validate the upgrade by confirming the reported theme version in the WordPress admin dashboard.
Workarounds
- Disable or remove the DSK theme until the patched version is deployed
- Restrict access to theme PHP files using web server rules or a WAF policy blocking traversal payloads
- Configure PHP open_basedir to constrain file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory
# Configuration example - restrict PHP file access via open_basedir
# Add to php.ini or virtual host configuration
php_admin_value open_basedir "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"
php_admin_value allow_url_include "Off"
php_admin_value allow_url_fopen "Off"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
