CVE-2025-49261: Diza WordPress Theme LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49261 Overview

CVE-2025-49261 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the thembay Diza WordPress theme through version 1.3.8. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, classified under [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files in the PHP execution context. Successful exploitation enables source code disclosure, sensitive configuration file access, and potential remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives. The vulnerability is reachable over the network without authentication, though exploitation complexity is elevated. See the Patchstack Security Advisory for additional context.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary PHP files on the server, leading to information disclosure and potential remote code execution on WordPress sites running the Diza theme.

Affected Products

• thembay Diza WordPress theme versions through 1.3.8
• WordPress installations using the Diza theme as active or parent theme
• Any site bundling Diza assets in legacy deployments

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-17 - CVE-2025-49261 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49261

Vulnerability Analysis

The Diza theme accepts user-controllable input that is passed directly into a PHP file inclusion statement without adequate sanitization or allow-list enforcement. PHP file inclusion functions such as include, require, include_once, and require_once execute the contents of the referenced file in the current scope. When the file path originates from request parameters, attackers can pivot the inclusion target to local files outside the intended directory.

The issue is cataloged under [CWE-98], which covers Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Programs. While the advisory text references PHP Remote File Inclusion, the confirmed impact in this case is Local File Inclusion. Exploitation enables disclosure of files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication secrets.

The EPSS probability for this issue is 0.547%, placing it in the 68th percentile of known CVEs by exploitation likelihood.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing validation on a filename parameter that flows into a PHP inclusion call. The theme does not constrain the input to a fixed allow-list of templates or sanitize directory traversal sequences such as ../. Without canonicalization or path containment, request parameters dictate which file PHP loads and executes.

Attack Vector

An unauthenticated remote attacker crafts an HTTP request targeting the vulnerable theme endpoint and supplies a manipulated file path in the affected parameter. The PHP runtime resolves the path and executes the referenced local file. Attackers chain this primitive with log poisoning, session file injection, or uploaded media to escalate from file disclosure to arbitrary PHP execution.

No verified public exploit code is available. Refer to the Patchstack Security Advisory for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49261

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP request parameters containing directory traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2F, or encoded null bytes targeting Diza theme paths
• Web server access log entries referencing Diza PHP files with unexpected query strings pointing to wp-config.php or /etc/passwd
• PHP error log entries showing failed to open stream warnings originating from Diza template files
• Unexpected outbound connections from the web server immediately following requests to Diza endpoints

Detection Strategies

• Inspect WordPress access logs for requests to Diza theme endpoints carrying suspicious file path parameters
• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag directory traversal patterns and PHP wrapper schemes such as php://filter and file://
• Monitor for anomalous reads of sensitive WordPress files including wp-config.php by the web server user
• Correlate spikes in HTTP 200 responses to theme files with subsequent PHP process behavior changes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable PHP log_errors and forward error output to a centralized logging pipeline for review
• Alert on file integrity changes inside the wp-content/themes/diza/ directory
• Track new PHP processes spawning shells (/bin/sh, bash) from the web server user context
• Baseline normal request patterns to Diza endpoints and alert on deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49261

Immediate Actions Required

• Disable or remove the Diza theme on affected WordPress sites until an updated version is installed
• Apply WAF rules blocking directory traversal sequences and PHP wrapper schemes in HTTP parameters
• Rotate any secrets stored in wp-config.php if exposure is suspected, including database passwords and authentication keys
• Review web server logs for prior exploitation attempts dating back to the vulnerability disclosure

Patch Information

No fixed version is identified in the available advisory data. The vulnerability affects Diza versions up to and including 1.3.8. Consult the Patchstack Security Advisory for the latest vendor remediation status and upgrade guidance.

Workarounds

• Restrict PHP open_basedir to limit which directories PHP scripts can access
• Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to prevent remote inclusion variants
• Deploy virtual patching via WAF rules until an official theme update is available
• Apply least-privilege file system permissions so the web server user cannot read sensitive configuration files outside the webroot

# 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"