CVE-2025-49278 Overview
CVE-2025-49278 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the unfoldwp Blogty WordPress theme. The flaw stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path inputs to include arbitrary local files on the underlying server, leading to source code disclosure, sensitive data exposure, and potential remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives. The issue affects all Blogty theme versions from initial release through 1.0.11.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated network-based exploitation can result in disclosure of WordPress secrets such as wp-config.php, and may escalate to arbitrary PHP code execution on the host.
Affected Products
- unfoldwp Blogty WordPress Theme — versions up to and including 1.0.11
- WordPress sites bundling the vulnerable Blogty theme
- Multisite installations with Blogty active on any subsite
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-09 - CVE-2025-49278 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-49278
Vulnerability Analysis
The Blogty theme passes user-controlled input into a PHP file inclusion sink without sufficient validation or allow-listing. Because the include path is not constrained to a known safe directory, an attacker can supply traversal sequences or absolute paths to load arbitrary files readable by the web server process. The vulnerability is reachable over the network without authentication, although exploitation requires specific request crafting that elevates attack complexity. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability since included PHP files execute in the application context.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper sanitization of a filename parameter that flows into a PHP include, include_once, require, or require_once call [CWE-98]. The theme trusts request-supplied input to resolve template or partial paths, allowing path traversal sequences such as ../ to escape the intended template directory. Without a strict allow-list, attackers control which files PHP loads and executes.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated remote attacker sends a crafted HTTP request containing a manipulated filename parameter to a Blogty theme endpoint. The parameter is concatenated into an include path, and PHP loads the referenced file. Targets include wp-config.php for secret extraction, log files for log poisoning chains, and uploaded media files to convert LFI into PHP execution. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49278
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Blogty theme PHP files containing ../, ..%2f, or null byte sequences in query parameters.
- Web server access logs showing unusual file path strings referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or /proc/self/environ.
- PHP error logs reporting failed to open stream or include() warnings tied to theme files.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for parameter values resolving to filesystem paths outside /wp-content/themes/blogty/.
- Deploy WAF rules that flag path traversal patterns and suspicious file=, template=, or page= parameters targeting theme endpoints.
- Run wp theme list and inventory plugins to identify hosts running Blogty <= 1.0.11.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on PHP processes reading sensitive files such as wp-config.php outside expected execution paths.
- Monitor outbound traffic from web servers for exfiltration following suspicious LFI request patterns.
- Track file integrity on theme directories to detect attacker-staged payloads used in LFI-to-RCE chains.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49278
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or remove the Blogty theme from production WordPress sites until a patched version is confirmed installed.
- Rotate WordPress salts, database credentials, and any API keys present in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected.
- Apply WAF virtual patching rules blocking path traversal payloads to Blogty theme URLs.
Patch Information
No fixed version is identified in the available advisory data; the vulnerability affects Blogty n/a through <= 1.0.11. Administrators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report and the unfoldwp vendor channel for a security update, and switch to an alternative theme if no patch is yet available.
Workarounds
- Replace Blogty with a maintained theme until a fixed release is published.
- Restrict PHP open_basedir to the WordPress installation root to limit file inclusion scope.
- Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to prevent remote inclusion escalation.
- Enforce least-privilege filesystem permissions so the web server user cannot read sensitive system files.
# Example php.ini hardening to limit LFI impact
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
