CVE-2025-49280: Magty WordPress Plugin LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49280 Overview

CVE-2025-49280 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Magty WordPress theme developed by unfoldwp. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP, classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). This flaw allows attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, code execution, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, or potentially achieve remote code execution through log poisoning or other LFI-to-RCE techniques.

Affected Products

• Magty WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.0.6
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable Magty theme
• Websites utilizing unfoldwp Magty theme without security patches

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-09 - CVE-2025-49280 published to NVD
• 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49280

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation and sanitization of user-controlled input that is subsequently used in PHP include() or require() statements within the Magty theme. When the application fails to properly validate file paths provided by users, an attacker can manipulate these inputs to include arbitrary files from the local file system.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive WordPress configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and other security-critical information. Additionally, if combined with other techniques such as log poisoning (injecting PHP code into log files and then including them), an attacker may escalate from LFI to Remote Code Execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the improper control of filename for include/require statements in the Magty theme's PHP code. The application directly uses user-supplied input to construct file paths for PHP include operations without adequate validation, filtering, or sanitization. This allows directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory scope and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves manipulating HTTP request parameters that influence file inclusion operations within the Magty theme. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences to navigate the file system and include sensitive files. Common exploitation targets include:

• WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php) containing database credentials
• System files such as /etc/passwd for information gathering
• Application log files for potential log poisoning attacks
• Session files for session hijacking attempts

Since no verified code examples are available for this vulnerability, readers should refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for detailed technical information about the exploitation mechanism.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49280

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) in URL parameters
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or system configuration files
• Requests with encoded directory traversal sequences targeting theme-related endpoints
• Unexpected file access patterns in application or web server logs

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on LFI attack signatures targeting WordPress installations
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing suspicious file paths or encoded traversal sequences
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity Platform to detect anomalous file access behaviors and potential exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on WordPress installations to capture detailed request information
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive configuration files from web application contexts
• Monitor PHP error logs for failed file inclusion attempts that may indicate reconnaissance activity
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49280

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Magty WordPress theme to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability
• If no patched version is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Magty theme
• Implement input validation and path sanitization at the web server or WAF level
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential LFI exploitation

Patch Information

Organizations using the Magty WordPress theme should check for available updates from the theme developer (unfoldwp) and apply any security patches immediately. For detailed vulnerability information and remediation guidance, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to block LFI attack patterns and directory traversal attempts
• Implement PHP configuration hardening by disabling allow_url_include and configuring open_basedir restrictions
• Use security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for WordPress vulnerabilities
• Consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme until a patched version of Magty is released

# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini or WordPress-specific PHP configuration

# Disable remote file inclusion
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off

# Restrict file operations to WordPress directory
open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress:/tmp

# Disable dangerous functions
disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen