CVE-2025-27010: Tastyc Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-27010 Overview

A path traversal vulnerability has been identified in the bslthemes Tastyc WordPress theme that enables PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI). The vulnerability stems from improper handling of path sequences ('.../...//' patterns), allowing attackers to traverse directory structures and include arbitrary PHP files from the local file system. This vulnerability affects all versions of the Tastyc theme prior to version 2.5.2.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could allow unauthenticated remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files from the server, potentially leading to complete site compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the hosting environment.

Affected Products

• WordPress Tastyc Theme versions prior to 2.5.2
• All WordPress installations running vulnerable Tastyc theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-05-19 - CVE-2025-27010 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-27010

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-35 (Path Traversal: '.../...//'). The Tastyc WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths. When processing certain requests, the theme accepts input containing path traversal sequences without adequate validation, allowing an attacker to escape the intended directory and access files elsewhere on the server.

The Local File Inclusion component makes this particularly dangerous, as it allows the included files to be executed as PHP code within the application context. This means that if an attacker can upload a malicious file (even with a non-PHP extension) or leverage existing files containing PHP code, they can achieve remote code execution on the target system.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization of file path parameters within the Tastyc theme. The theme's file inclusion mechanism accepts user-controlled input without properly stripping or rejecting directory traversal sequences such as ../ or the variant .../...//' pattern. This allows attackers to break out of the expected directory context and reference files in arbitrary locations on the file system.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed remotely over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker crafts malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted path traversal sequences targeting the vulnerable file inclusion functionality in the Tastyc theme. Due to the high attack complexity noted in the vulnerability assessment, successful exploitation may require specific server configurations or the presence of exploitable files in predictable locations.

The attacker manipulates file path parameters by injecting traversal sequences such as .../...//' to navigate outside the web root directory. When the vulnerable code processes this input, it constructs a file path that points to an attacker-controlled location, subsequently including and executing the referenced PHP file. This can lead to arbitrary PHP code execution, configuration file disclosure, or access to sensitive server files like /etc/passwd` or WordPress configuration files containing database credentials.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27010

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to the WordPress site containing unusual path traversal sequences such as ../, .../.../, or URL-encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
• Access log entries showing attempts to access system files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or other sensitive configuration files
• Unexpected PHP error logs indicating file inclusion failures from unauthorized directories
• Evidence of unauthorized file access or unusual server behavior following requests to Tastyc theme endpoints

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing path traversal patterns
• Monitor WordPress access logs for suspicious requests targeting theme-specific endpoints with malformed path parameters
• Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for PHP LFI attack patterns
• Utilize SentinelOne's behavioral AI to detect anomalous file access patterns indicative of LFI exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all WordPress theme-related file operations and review logs regularly for anomalies
• Set up real-time alerting for HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences targeting the Tastyc theme
• Monitor for unexpected outbound connections from the web server that may indicate post-exploitation activity
• Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to WordPress theme files

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27010

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Tastyc WordPress theme to version 2.5.2 or later immediately
• Audit WordPress access logs for any historical exploitation attempts against this vulnerability
• Review server file system for any unauthorized files that may have been introduced through LFI exploitation
• Consider temporarily disabling the Tastyc theme if immediate patching is not possible

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in Tastyc theme version 2.5.2. Administrators should update to this version or later through the WordPress admin dashboard or by downloading the latest version from the theme vendor. For detailed information about the vulnerability and the fix, consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database.

Workarounds

• If immediate patching is not feasible, disable or remove the Tastyc theme and switch to a known-secure alternative theme
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting WordPress theme directories
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential LFI exploitation
• Use PHP configuration options such as open_basedir to restrict file access to specific directories

# Example WAF rule concept for blocking path traversal attempts
# Add to .htaccess or equivalent server configuration
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]