CVE-2025-31913: Ogami Theme PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-31913 Overview

CVE-2025-31913 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the ApusTheme Ogami WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server filesystem.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive files, potentially leading to information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and in some cases, remote code execution through log poisoning or other chained attack techniques.

Affected Products

• ApusTheme Ogami WordPress Theme versions through 1.53
• WordPress installations running vulnerable Ogami theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-05-23 - CVE-2025-31913 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-31913

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Ogami WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before using it in PHP file inclusion operations. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file path parameter to include arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, attackers may be able to chain this vulnerability with other techniques like log poisoning to achieve remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization of filename parameters passed to PHP's include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions within the Ogami theme. The theme fails to implement proper path normalization and allowlist validation, enabling directory traversal sequences to be processed.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that manipulate file path parameters. By including directory traversal sequences such as ../ in the input, an attacker can navigate outside the intended directory and include sensitive system or application files.

The vulnerability can be exploited through HTTP requests to the vulnerable theme endpoints. Typical exploitation involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable parameter that controls file inclusion
2. Injecting directory traversal sequences to navigate the filesystem
3. Targeting sensitive files such as /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or application logs
4. Potentially chaining with log poisoning techniques to inject and execute malicious PHP code

For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-31913

Indicators of Compromise

• Web server access logs containing directory traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or ..%252f in requests to Ogami theme endpoints
• Requests attempting to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or system log files
• Unusual file read operations originating from the web server process
• Error logs showing failed file inclusion attempts outside the web root

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in URL parameters and request bodies
• Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on patterns associated with LFI attacks
• Review web server logs for anomalous requests containing path manipulation sequences

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for PHP file operations and monitor for suspicious include/require activities
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive files from web application contexts
• Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that may indicate successful data exfiltration
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect exploitation patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-31913

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Ogami WordPress theme to a patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Ogami theme and switching to an alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block directory traversal attempts targeting the vulnerable theme
• Review server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Restrict file permissions to limit the impact of potential LFI exploitation

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for updates regarding available patches from ApusTheme. Until an official patch is released, implementing compensating controls is essential.

Workarounds

• Deploy virtual patching through a Web Application Firewall to filter malicious requests
• Implement PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file access to the web application directory
• Use disable_functions in php.ini to restrict dangerous PHP functions where possible
• Consider using a WordPress security plugin with LFI protection capabilities

# PHP configuration hardening example (php.ini)
# Restrict file access to web root only
open_basedir = /var/www/html/

# Disable potentially dangerous functions
disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen