CVE-2025-28944: Avaz WordPress Theme LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-28944 Overview

CVE-2025-28944 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the snstheme Avaz WordPress theme through version 2.8. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local files on the server. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive configuration data, source code, or execution of attacker-controlled PHP code if writable paths exist. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication, though the attack complexity is high.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local files through the vulnerable theme, potentially leading to remote code execution and full compromise of the WordPress site.

Affected Products

• snstheme Avaz WordPress theme (snsavaz)
• All versions from initial release through 2.8
• WordPress sites using the Avaz theme as the active theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-09 - CVE-2025-28944 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-28944

Vulnerability Analysis

The Avaz theme contains a PHP file inclusion flaw classified under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The theme passes user-supplied input into a PHP include or require call without proper sanitization or allow-listing. This permits an attacker to traverse the filesystem and include arbitrary local files accessible to the web server process. Sensitive files such as wp-config.php may be disclosed, exposing database credentials and authentication keys. If an attacker can write content to a known location, such as via log files or upload directories, the LFI can escalate to remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing input validation on a file path parameter consumed by a PHP inclusion function. The vulnerable code does not restrict the parameter to an approved set of files or sanitize directory traversal sequences such as ../. Attackers control which file the PHP interpreter loads.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted remotely over HTTP or HTTPS. An attacker sends a crafted request containing a manipulated parameter value pointing to a target file on the server. No authentication or user interaction is required, though successful exploitation depends on knowledge of the vulnerable parameter and target file paths. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-28944

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to Avaz theme PHP files containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
• Web server access logs showing requests with file path parameters referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or /proc/self/environ
• Unexpected PHP processes reading sensitive files outside the WordPress document root
• New or modified PHP files within theme directories that were not deployed by administrators

Detection Strategies

• Review web access logs for requests targeting the wp-content/themes/snsavaz/ directory with suspicious query parameters
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule that flags requests containing directory traversal patterns against WordPress theme endpoints
• Monitor PHP error logs for include() or require() warnings referencing unexpected file paths
• Compare file integrity baselines of the Avaz theme installation against the vendor distribution

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the WordPress web server and forward logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
• Alert on outbound connections from the web server immediately following requests to Avaz theme files
• Track filesystem access patterns from the www-data or PHP-FPM service account for reads of sensitive system files
• Monitor for new administrative user creation or plugin installation following suspicious LFI requests

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-28944

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress sites running the snstheme Avaz theme version 2.8 or earlier
• Disable or switch away from the Avaz theme on affected sites until a patched version is confirmed
• Restrict PHP file inclusion at the server level by setting open_basedir and disabling allow_url_include
• Rotate WordPress secret keys, database credentials, and administrator passwords if exploitation is suspected

Patch Information

At the time of NVD publication, the vulnerability affects Avaz versions through 2.8. Site operators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report and the theme vendor for an updated release. Apply the vendor patch as soon as it becomes available and verify the theme version after upgrade.

Workarounds

• Deploy WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting wp-content/themes/snsavaz/
• Configure PHP with open_basedir restrictions limiting filesystem access to the WordPress installation directory
• Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to prevent remote inclusion variants
• Apply least-privilege filesystem permissions so the web server cannot read sensitive configuration files outside the document root

# Configuration example: php.ini hardening
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"