CVE-2025-49258: Maia Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49258 Overview

CVE-2025-49258 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Maia WordPress theme developed by thembay. 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.

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), which describes flaws where user-controlled input is improperly used to construct file paths for PHP's include or require functions.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access WordPress credentials, or potentially achieve remote code execution through log poisoning or other LFI-to-RCE techniques.

Affected Products

• thembay Maia WordPress Theme versions through 1.1.15

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-17 - CVE-2025-49258 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49258

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists in the Maia WordPress theme due to insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that is subsequently used in PHP include or require statements. When a PHP application uses include, require, include_once, or require_once with unvalidated user input, an attacker can manipulate the file path to include unintended files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive files such as wp-config.php (containing database credentials), .htaccess files, or system files like /etc/passwd on Linux servers. In certain scenarios, LFI can be escalated to Remote Code Execution through techniques such as log file poisoning, PHP session file injection, or combining with file upload functionalities.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-49258 is the improper control of filename parameters passed to PHP's file inclusion functions. The Maia theme fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-controlled input before using it to construct file paths for include/require operations. This allows path traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

Proper remediation requires implementing strict input validation, using whitelists of allowed files, and avoiding user input in file inclusion paths altogether where possible.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves an attacker submitting crafted input containing directory traversal sequences to manipulate the file path used in PHP include statements. By using sequences like ../../../ combined with target file names, an attacker can traverse out of the web root directory and access sensitive system or application files.

For example, an attacker might attempt to include the WordPress configuration file to extract database credentials, or access system files to gather information for further attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication if the affected parameter is accessible to unauthenticated users.

Technical details and proof-of-concept information can be found in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49258

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or ....// targeting theme endpoints
• Access attempts to sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or .htaccess through theme parameters
• Unusual file access patterns in web server logs showing requests to the Maia theme with manipulated path parameters
• Error messages in logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts or path traversal detection

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing path traversal sequences targeting /wp-content/themes/maia/
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on suspicious file access patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for the WordPress installation and regularly review logs for anomalous requests
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive configuration files from web-accessible endpoints
• Monitor for changes to critical files such as wp-config.php or unexpected file creation in theme directories
• Implement rate limiting and anomaly detection for requests to theme-related endpoints

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49258

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Maia WordPress theme to a patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Maia theme and switching to an alternative theme
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing directory traversal patterns
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential file inclusion attacks

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor the thembay vendor for security updates to the Maia theme. The vulnerability affects versions through 1.1.15. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the latest information on available patches.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to filter directory traversal sequences in all request parameters
• Implement PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file operations to specific directories
• Use file permission hardening to prevent the web server from reading sensitive files outside the web root
• Consider using a virtual patching solution while awaiting an official fix from the vendor

# Example: Restrict PHP file operations using open_basedir in php.ini
# Add to your PHP configuration or .htaccess file
php_value open_basedir /var/www/html/:/tmp/

# Example: Block traversal patterns in Apache .htaccess
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\.%2f) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]