CVE-2025-24768: Nitan File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-24768 Overview

CVE-2025-24768 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Nitan WordPress theme developed by snstheme. This vulnerability arises from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server. While classified as a Remote File Inclusion vulnerability type (CWE-98), the practical exploitation enables Local File Inclusion attacks that can lead to sensitive data exposure, configuration file disclosure, and potential remote code execution through log poisoning or other chained techniques.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive server files including configuration files containing database credentials, WordPress secrets, and potentially execute arbitrary code through log file injection techniques.

Affected Products

• snstheme Nitan WordPress Theme version 2.9 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the snsnitan theme package
• All versions from initial release through version 2.9 inclusive

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-09 - CVE-2025-24768 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-24768

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in the Nitan WordPress theme's PHP code, where user-controlled input is passed directly to PHP's include() or require() functions without proper sanitization. The attack can be conducted over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, though exploitation complexity is considered high due to the specific conditions needed for successful attacks.

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate file path parameters to traverse directories and include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-24768 is the failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP file inclusion functions. The Nitan theme accepts filename parameters that are directly incorporated into include or require statements without filtering path traversal sequences (such as ../) or validating against a whitelist of allowed files. This violates the principle of input validation and allows attackers to break out of the intended directory structure.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning attackers can exploit it remotely without physical access to the target system. The exploitation involves crafting malicious HTTP requests that include path traversal sequences to reference sensitive files outside the intended directory.

A typical attack scenario involves:

1. The attacker identifies the vulnerable Nitan theme installation
2. Malicious requests are crafted with path traversal sequences targeting sensitive files
3. The vulnerable PHP code includes the attacker-specified file
4. Contents of sensitive files such as wp-config.php or /etc/passwd are disclosed
5. Attackers may chain this with log poisoning to achieve remote code execution

For detailed technical analysis and proof-of-concept information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24768

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f targeting WordPress theme endpoints
• Unusual access patterns to WordPress theme files with suspicious query parameters
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive system files through theme endpoints
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with paths outside the WordPress directory

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in requests to WordPress theme files
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing multiple consecutive ../ sequences or null byte characters
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files to detect unauthorized access
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on patterns consistent with LFI exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all requests to WordPress theme directories and review logs regularly for anomalous patterns
• Set up alerts for any access attempts to sensitive configuration files like wp-config.php through non-standard paths
• Monitor for unusual PHP error messages that may indicate failed exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24768

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Nitan WordPress theme to the latest patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Nitan theme and switching to a secure alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting WordPress theme endpoints
• Review server access logs for evidence of past exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Users should check with snstheme for an updated version of the Nitan theme that addresses this vulnerability. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for updates on patch availability. Until an official patch is released, implement the workarounds described below to reduce exposure.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules configured to block path traversal attempts targeting WordPress installations
• Restrict PHP's open_basedir directive to limit file access to the WordPress installation directory only
• Implement file permission hardening to ensure sensitive configuration files are not readable by the web server user
• Consider using WordPress security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities

# Example Apache .htaccess rule to block path traversal
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} \.\./ [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} %2e%2e%2f [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} %252e%252e%252f [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]

# PHP open_basedir restriction in php.ini or .user.ini
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/