CVE-2025-49259: Hara Theme PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49259 Overview

CVE-2025-49259 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Hara 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 on the server.

This PHP Remote File Inclusion weakness (CWE-98) enables attackers to manipulate file path inputs to access sensitive files outside the intended directory structure. Through careful path manipulation, an attacker can potentially read configuration files, access credentials, or leverage the inclusion for further exploitation.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation allows attackers to read sensitive server files, potentially exposing database credentials, configuration data, and other sensitive information stored on the WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• Hara WordPress Theme version 1.2.10 and earlier
• WordPress installations running vulnerable Hara theme versions
• Websites using thembay Hara theme without security patches

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-17 - CVE-2025-49259 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49259

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists within the Hara WordPress theme's PHP code where user-controllable input is passed to PHP include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. This represents a classic Local File Inclusion vulnerability pattern where the application fails to adequately restrict which files can be included during runtime execution.

In a typical LFI scenario affecting WordPress themes, the vulnerable code accepts a parameter (often through GET or POST requests) that specifies a template, view, or other file to include. When this input is not properly sanitized, attackers can use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory and include files from anywhere on the filesystem accessible to the web server process.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper control of filename parameters in PHP include/require statements (CWE-98). The Hara theme does not adequately validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows path traversal characters and sequences to be processed, enabling attackers to reference files outside the intended theme directory structure.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves manipulating HTTP request parameters that are subsequently used in PHP file inclusion operations. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to include sensitive local files such as /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or other configuration files. The included file contents may be rendered in the response or processed by the PHP interpreter, depending on the specific implementation.

The exploitation typically follows this pattern: the attacker identifies a parameter that controls file inclusion, then crafts a request with path traversal sequences to target sensitive files. For WordPress installations, the wp-config.php file is a high-value target as it contains database credentials and authentication keys.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49259

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to WordPress theme directories containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/)
• Access log entries showing attempts to include system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Unusual file access patterns from the web server process to sensitive configuration files
• POST or GET parameters containing encoded directory traversal characters

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in request parameters
• Monitor access logs for suspicious requests targeting theme files with traversal sequences
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Enable PHP logging to capture file inclusion operations and review for anomalies

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure alerts for access log entries containing common LFI payloads targeting the Hara theme
• Monitor for unexpected reads of sensitive files like wp-config.php from web server processes
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect path traversal patterns in incoming requests
• Review WordPress theme update notifications and apply security patches promptly

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49259

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Hara WordPress theme to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability
• Review server access logs for signs of exploitation attempts targeting the Hara theme
• Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Hara theme if no patch is available
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting WordPress theme files

Patch Information

Users should update the Hara WordPress theme to a version newer than 1.2.10 that contains security fixes for this vulnerability. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for detailed patch information and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation on all user-controllable parameters that may influence file operations
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to block path traversal patterns
• Restrict PHP open_basedir to limit file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Use WordPress security plugins that provide additional input sanitization and monitoring capabilities

# Configuration example - Restrict PHP open_basedir in Apache
# Add to your virtual host configuration or .htaccess
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/

# Block common LFI patterns in .htaccess
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (etc/passwd|wp-config) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]