CVE-2025-49253: Lasa PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49253 Overview

CVE-2025-49253 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the thembay Lasa WordPress theme through version 1.1. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include/require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary PHP files from the underlying server. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive files, execution of attacker-controlled PHP, and full compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability is reachable over the network without authentication, though exploitation complexity is rated high.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local PHP files, leading to information disclosure and potential remote code execution on affected WordPress sites.

Affected Products

thembay Lasa WordPress theme — all versions from n/a through <= 1.1
WordPress installations using the Lasa theme
Sites hosting attacker-writable content (uploads, logs) alongside the vulnerable theme

Discovery Timeline

2025-06-17 - CVE-2025-49253 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49253

Vulnerability Analysis

The Lasa theme passes user-controllable input into a PHP file inclusion statement without sufficient validation or allowlisting. PHP include, include_once, require, and require_once directives execute any included file as PHP code. When attacker-controlled values reach these statements, the application loads files outside the intended template directory.

Local File Inclusion attacks against WordPress themes typically chain with writable locations such as wp-content/uploads/, session files, or log files to achieve code execution. Attackers can also use LFI to read configuration files like wp-config.php, exposing database credentials and authentication keys.

The issue is classified under [CWE-98], Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The Patchstack advisory tracks this entry as a confirmed Local File Inclusion in Lasa.

Root Cause

The theme accepts a filename or path parameter from an HTTP request and concatenates it into an inclusion statement. Missing validation allows directory traversal sequences (../) or absolute paths. No allowlist restricts which template files may be loaded.

Attack Vector

An unauthenticated remote attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable Lasa theme endpoint. The request supplies a manipulated path parameter that resolves to an arbitrary PHP file on the server. The included file is then parsed and executed in the WordPress process context.

No verified public exploit code is available at this time. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49253

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Lasa theme PHP endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded null bytes
Web server access logs showing parameters that reference sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or /proc/self/environ
PHP error logs containing failed to open stream messages tied to theme template files
Unexpected PHP file creation in wp-content/uploads/ followed by inclusion requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server logs for query parameters supplied to theme files containing filesystem path characters
Deploy WAF rules that block directory traversal patterns in requests targeting /wp-content/themes/lasa/
Monitor for anomalous include/require failures correlated with external client IPs

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward WordPress and PHP-FPM logs to a centralized SIEM and alert on traversal patterns
Track file integrity on the wp-content/themes/lasa/ directory and uploads folder
Monitor outbound network connections from the web server process, which may indicate post-exploitation activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49253

Immediate Actions Required

Identify any WordPress sites running the thembay Lasa theme at version 1.1 or earlier
Deactivate the Lasa theme until a vendor patch is confirmed and applied
Restrict access to theme PHP files at the web server or WAF layer
Rotate WordPress secret keys and database credentials if exploitation is suspected

Patch Information

No fixed version is listed in the available advisory data. Affected administrators should monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability entry and the vendor's distribution channels for an updated release beyond version 1.1.

Workarounds

Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to limit related inclusion abuse
Configure open_basedir to restrict PHP file access to the WordPress document root
Block requests to theme files that contain ../, %00, or absolute path patterns at the WAF
Apply least-privilege file permissions so the web user cannot read sensitive system files

bash

# 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"