CVE-2025-30992 Overview
CVE-2025-30992 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the thembay Puca WordPress theme through version 2.6.33. 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 files, potentially leading to source code disclosure, configuration leakage, or remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication, although the attack complexity is high.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local PHP files on vulnerable WordPress sites, exposing sensitive data and enabling code execution paths that compromise site integrity and availability.
Affected Products
- thembay Puca WordPress theme versions up to and including 2.6.33
- WordPress sites using the Puca eCommerce theme
- All Puca-based deployments without the security patch applied
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-27 - CVE-2025-30992 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-30992
Vulnerability Analysis
The Puca theme contains code paths that pass user-controlled input into PHP file inclusion functions without proper sanitization or allowlisting. PHP's include, include_once, require, and require_once statements execute the contents of any readable file as PHP code. When an attacker controls the filename argument, they can redirect inclusion to unintended files on the server.
The flaw is classified as PHP Local File Inclusion. Successful exploitation can disclose wp-config.php contents, exposing database credentials and authentication keys. Attackers may also chain the LFI with media uploads or log poisoning to achieve PHP code execution within the WordPress process context.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of filename input used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. The theme accepts attacker-influenced strings and concatenates them into file paths without enforcing an allowlist of permitted templates or normalizing path traversal sequences such as ../.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker crafts an HTTP request to a vulnerable Puca theme endpoint, supplying a manipulated path parameter. The high attack complexity reflects conditions such as specific configuration or path knowledge required for reliable exploitation.
The vulnerability is described in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability database. No verified public proof-of-concept code is available at this time.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30992
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Puca theme PHP files containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
- Requests with query parameters referencing sensitive files including wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or php://filter
- Unusual access patterns from single source IPs probing multiple theme template parameters
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for parameter values containing absolute paths, traversal sequences, or PHP wrappers
- Deploy web application firewall rules detecting LFI payload patterns targeting WordPress theme endpoints
- Correlate suspicious file inclusion attempts with subsequent unusual PHP process activity on the host
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor file integrity for wp-config.php and theme files in the wp-content/themes/puca/ directory
- Alert on outbound connections originating from PHP processes following anomalous request patterns
- Track WordPress error logs for include or require warnings referencing unexpected file paths
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30992
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations running the Puca theme at version 2.6.33 or earlier
- Apply the vendor-supplied patched version of the Puca theme as soon as available from Themeforest or the vendor portal
- Rotate WordPress secrets, database credentials, and API keys if exploitation is suspected
Patch Information
The vendor has addressed the vulnerability in a release after Puca 2.6.33. Site administrators should consult the Patchstack advisory for the fixed version and update through the WordPress admin interface or the vendor distribution channel.
Workarounds
- Deploy a virtual patch through a WordPress-aware web application firewall to block LFI patterns until the theme is updated
- Restrict PHP open_basedir and allow_url_include directives to limit the scope of inclusion
- Apply least-privilege file permissions on wp-config.php and limit web server access to required directories
# Example php.ini hardening to limit file inclusion impact
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
