CVE-2025-49369: Lettuce Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49369 Overview

CVE-2025-49369 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the AncoraThemes Lettuce WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and potentially remote code execution if combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive server files, access configuration data, and potentially achieve code execution on vulnerable WordPress installations running the Lettuce theme.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes Lettuce WordPress Theme versions through 1.1.7
• WordPress installations using vulnerable Lettuce theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-12-18 - CVE-2025-49369 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49369

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Lettuce WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before using it in PHP file inclusion operations. When an attacker can control or influence the filename parameter passed to include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions, they can manipulate the path to include unintended files from the local filesystem.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means attackers can exploit it remotely without authentication. However, the high attack complexity suggests that successful exploitation may require specific conditions or additional steps beyond a simple HTTP request.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-49369 lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Lettuce theme's PHP code. The vulnerable code path accepts user-supplied input—likely through URL parameters, POST data, or other request variables—and incorporates this input directly into file inclusion statements without adequate filtering for path traversal sequences (such as ../) or validation against an allowlist of permitted files.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests to the vulnerable WordPress theme endpoint, manipulating file path parameters to traverse directories and include sensitive local files. Common targets for LFI attacks include:

• /etc/passwd - System user information
• wp-config.php - WordPress database credentials and authentication keys
• .htaccess - Server configuration and access controls
• Log files that may contain injectable content for log poisoning attacks

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted requests that include path traversal sequences to navigate outside the intended directory and access arbitrary files readable by the web server process.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49369

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting the Lettuce theme directory
• Web server access logs showing requests for sensitive system files through theme endpoints
• Unexpected file access patterns in PHP error logs indicating failed or successful file inclusions
• Requests containing encoded path traversal variants or null byte injection attempts

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Configure IDS/IPS signatures to alert on LFI attack patterns targeting WordPress themes
• Review web server access logs for suspicious requests to the Lettuce theme directory

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for PHP file operations and monitor for unexpected include/require calls
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php or system configuration files
• Monitor for unusual file read operations by the web server process
• Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) to detect exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49369

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the AncoraThemes Lettuce theme to the latest patched version when available
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating and removing the vulnerable theme
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attack patterns
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Security details and patch availability can be found in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report. WordPress administrators should check with AncoraThemes for updated theme versions that address this vulnerability. Until a patch is applied, implement compensating controls to reduce exposure.

Workarounds

• Disable or remove the Lettuce theme entirely and use an alternative theme until patched
• Implement strict WAF rules to filter requests containing path traversal sequences
• Use PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file access to the WordPress directory
• Configure file permissions to restrict the web server's ability to read sensitive system files

# Configuration example - PHP open_basedir restriction in php.ini
# Restrict PHP file operations to WordPress directory only
open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress:/tmp

# Alternative: Add to .htaccess or Apache configuration
# php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html/wordpress:/tmp