CVE-2025-49070: Elessi Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49070 Overview

CVE-2025-49070 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the NasaTheme Elessi WordPress theme through version 6.4.1. The flaw resides in improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Authenticated attackers can manipulate file path inputs to load arbitrary PHP files from the local filesystem. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive configuration data, execution of attacker-controlled PHP code, and full compromise of the WordPress site. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected installations.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can include arbitrary local PHP files, leading to information disclosure and potential remote code execution on WordPress sites running Elessi theme versions through 6.4.1.

Affected Products

NasaTheme Elessi WordPress Theme versions up to and including 6.4.1
WordPress installations using the elessi-theme
Sites with the vulnerable theme active and accessible to authenticated users

Discovery Timeline

2025-07-04 - CVE-2025-49070 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49070

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename input passed to PHP file inclusion functions within the Elessi theme. PHP include, include_once, require, and require_once statements load and execute the contents of the referenced file. When user-supplied input reaches these statements without proper validation, attackers can redirect the inclusion to arbitrary local files. The Elessi theme accepts a parameter that is concatenated into a file path used by an inclusion statement. Because the parameter lacks allowlist validation and path canonicalization, an attacker can traverse directories or reference unintended PHP files. The result is execution of any PHP file readable by the web server process.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The theme treats request-supplied identifiers as trusted filename components. No filter restricts the input to a fixed set of expected templates or partials. Path traversal sequences and absolute paths are not stripped before reaching the inclusion call.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker with low privileges sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable Elessi theme endpoint. The request contains a manipulated file parameter that points to an arbitrary PHP file on the server. The server executes the referenced PHP file in the context of the web application. Attack complexity is high because the attacker must identify the vulnerable parameter and a useful target file. Technical details are available in the Patchstack Elessi Theme Vulnerability advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49070

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Elessi theme endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
Requests referencing sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files in query parameters
Unexpected PHP errors in web server logs referencing include() or require() failures with attacker-supplied paths
Outbound connections or new PHP files written under wp-content/uploads/ following suspicious inclusion requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server access logs for query parameters containing file paths, directory traversal sequences, or .php references targeting theme endpoints
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules detecting LFI patterns against WordPress theme requests
Monitor PHP error logs for failed include/require operations originating from elessi-theme files
Correlate authenticated user sessions with requests to theme files that include user-controlled filename parameters

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose access logging on WordPress admin and theme endpoints to capture full query strings
Track file integrity on the WordPress installation, particularly wp-content/themes/elessi-theme/ and uploads directories
Alert on creation of new PHP files in upload directories that should contain only static assets
Review authenticated user activity for low-privilege accounts issuing requests to theme template files

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49070

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Elessi theme to a version newer than 6.4.1 once a fixed release is available from NasaTheme
Audit existing WordPress user accounts and remove unnecessary low-privilege accounts that could be abused for authenticated exploitation
Restrict access to the WordPress admin area using IP allowlisting or additional authentication factors
Review web server and PHP error logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Refer to the Patchstack Elessi Theme Vulnerability advisory for vendor-provided remediation guidance. Site administrators should apply the latest Elessi theme update from NasaTheme and verify the installed version exceeds 6.4.1.

Workarounds

Deploy a WAF rule blocking path traversal sequences and absolute file paths in query parameters targeting theme endpoints
Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory
Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to limit inclusion scope
Temporarily switch to a different theme if patching cannot be performed immediately

bash

# Example php.ini hardening to limit file inclusion scope
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"