CVE-2025-49297: Grill And Chow Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2025-49297 Overview

CVE-2025-49297 is a Path Traversal vulnerability in the Grill and Chow WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes (Qodeinteractive) that allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This vulnerability enables attackers to traverse directory structures and include arbitrary PHP files from the local server, potentially leading to remote code execution, sensitive data exposure, and complete site compromise.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to include arbitrary local PHP files on the server through path traversal sequences, potentially leading to remote code execution and full system compromise.

Affected Products

• Qodeinteractive Grill and Chow WordPress Theme versions through 1.6
• WordPress installations using the Grill and Chow theme (grillandchow)
• All sites running vulnerable versions without security patches

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-09 - CVE-2025-49297 published to NVD
• 2026-01-29 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49297

Vulnerability Analysis

This Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation in the Grill and Chow WordPress theme. The theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that specifies file paths, allowing attackers to use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory and include arbitrary PHP files from the local filesystem.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-35 (Path Traversal: '.../...//'). When exploited, an attacker can include PHP files that exist on the server, such as configuration files containing database credentials, WordPress core files, or uploaded malicious PHP files. This can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the web server, allowing attackers to fully compromise the affected WordPress installation.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation and insufficient path sanitization in the theme's file inclusion mechanism. The vulnerable code accepts user-controllable input for file path parameters without adequately filtering or validating directory traversal sequences. This allows attackers to manipulate the file path parameter to reference files outside the intended directory structure.

Attack Vector

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing path traversal sequences in a vulnerable parameter, targeting files on the local filesystem. The attack flow typically involves:

1. Identifying a vulnerable endpoint in the Grill and Chow theme that accepts file path input
2. Crafting a request with directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../../../../etc/passwd or ../../../wp-config.php)
3. The server processes the malicious input and includes the referenced file
4. If a PHP file is included, the code executes in the server context, potentially allowing full system compromise

The vulnerability can be chained with file upload functionality or log poisoning techniques to achieve remote code execution, even when direct sensitive file access is restricted.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49297

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting theme endpoints
• Web server logs showing access patterns to sensitive file paths through the theme directory
• Unexpected PHP execution errors related to file inclusion or missing files
• Evidence of accessed configuration files or sensitive data exfiltration

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application logs for requests containing directory traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, %2e%2e%2f, or encoded variations
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block LFI attack patterns targeting WordPress themes
• Use file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access or modification of sensitive configuration files
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying anomalous PHP file inclusion behavior

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for WordPress theme file access and PHP include/require operations
• Configure SIEM alerts for path traversal attack signatures in HTTP request parameters
• Monitor for unusual outbound connections from the web server that may indicate successful exploitation
• Review web server access logs regularly for suspicious patterns targeting the grillandchow theme directory

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49297

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Grill and Chow WordPress theme to the latest patched version immediately
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the theme and switching to a secure alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting WordPress themes
• Audit web server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts or successful compromise

Patch Information

Organizations should check for updates from Qodeinteractive for the Grill and Chow WordPress theme. For detailed vulnerability information and patch availability, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database.

Workarounds

• Implement strict WAF rules to filter and block requests containing path traversal sequences
• Use PHP open_basedir directive to restrict file access to specific directories
• Disable the vulnerable theme component if possible while awaiting an official patch
• Apply file system permissions to limit the web server's ability to read sensitive configuration files

# Configuration example - Restrict PHP open_basedir to limit file access
# Add to php.ini or .htaccess
php_value open_basedir /var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/

# Apache mod_security rule to block path traversal
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|ARGS_NAMES "@contains ../" "id:1001,phase:1,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt'"