CVE-2025-49426: Kitring PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-49426 Overview

CVE-2025-49426 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Dahz Kitring WordPress theme. 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 load arbitrary local PHP files on the web server. Successful exploitation can lead to sensitive information disclosure, session hijacking, and potentially code execution when combined with file upload vectors. The vulnerability affects all Kitring theme versions up to and including 2.8.

Critical Impact
Network-based attackers without authentication can include arbitrary local files, exposing credentials and configuration data and enabling further compromise of the WordPress host.

Affected Products

Dahz Kitring WordPress Theme versions up to and including 2.8
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Kitring theme
Web servers hosting the affected theme with PHP file inclusion enabled

Discovery Timeline

2025-08-20 - CVE-2025-49426 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-49426

Vulnerability Analysis

The Kitring theme uses PHP include or require statements that accept user-controllable input without adequate sanitization. This design flaw allows attackers to alter file path parameters and force the application to load files outside the intended directory scope. Because WordPress themes execute within the PHP context of the site, any included file is parsed as PHP code. Attackers can retrieve wp-config.php to steal database credentials or read /etc/passwd on Linux hosts. The vulnerability requires no authentication but has higher attack complexity, likely due to non-trivial parameter discovery or filter bypass requirements.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper validation of the filename argument passed to PHP file inclusion functions. The theme accepts request parameters and concatenates them into include or require calls without allow-listing, canonicalization, or path normalization. This maps directly to [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program.

Attack Vector

An unauthenticated remote attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to a vulnerable endpoint in the Kitring theme. The request contains a manipulated parameter referencing a target file using directory traversal sequences such as ../../../../wp-config.php. The PHP interpreter resolves and includes the file, returning its contents or executing its code. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49426

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2F, %2e%2e%2f) targeting Kitring theme endpoints
Access log entries requesting sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
Unexpected PHP process activity reading files outside the WordPress installation directory
Outbound connections from the web server following suspicious inclusion requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server access logs for query parameters containing path traversal patterns or absolute file paths
Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag LFI signatures targeting WordPress theme paths
Monitor for anomalous file access by the PHP-FPM or Apache worker processes on the host
Correlate HTTP request patterns with subsequent authentication anomalies indicating credential theft

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose logging on the WordPress host and forward logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and analysis
Alert on any read access to wp-config.php originating from the web application user
Track file integrity of the Kitring theme directory to identify unauthorized modifications
Baseline normal HTTP parameter values for the theme and alert on high-entropy or path-like deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49426

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress installations running the Dahz Kitring theme at version 2.8 or earlier
Disable or switch away from the Kitring theme until a vendor-supplied patched version is confirmed installed
Rotate WordPress database credentials, secret keys, and any API tokens that may have been exposed through wp-config.php
Review web server access logs for prior exploitation attempts and initiate incident response if evidence is found

Patch Information

At the time of the referenced advisory, the vulnerability affects Kitring versions up to and including 2.8. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for current patch availability and upgrade guidance from the vendor.

Workarounds

Deploy WAF rules that block requests containing directory traversal sequences targeting theme paths
Restrict PHP open_basedir in php.ini to limit file inclusion to the WordPress document root
Disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen to prevent escalation from LFI to remote inclusion
Apply least-privilege file system permissions so the web server user cannot read sensitive configuration files outside the webroot

bash

# Configuration example: harden php.ini against LFI exploitation
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"