CVE-2025-49508 Overview
CVE-2025-49508 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the LoftOcean CozyStay WordPress theme. The flaw stems from improper control of filename input passed to PHP include or require statements, classified under [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local PHP files within the WordPress installation. The issue affects all CozyStay versions up to and including 1.7.1. Successful exploitation can lead to source code disclosure, configuration file exposure, and remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives.
Critical Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can include arbitrary local PHP files, potentially leading to code execution and full compromise of the WordPress site.
Affected Products
- LoftOcean CozyStay WordPress theme versions through 1.7.1
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable CozyStay theme
- Hosting environments where the theme is deployed without web application firewall protection
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-17 - CVE-2025-49508 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-49508
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in how the CozyStay theme handles user-supplied input passed to PHP file inclusion functions. The theme accepts a filename parameter via HTTP request and concatenates it into an include or require statement without proper validation or path sanitization. This pattern matches the [CWE-98] classification for improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs.
The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction, though attack complexity is rated as high due to environmental conditions required for successful exploitation. Once an attacker controls the included file path, they can reference local files on the server. This allows reading sensitive files such as wp-config.php or loading PHP files placed elsewhere on the filesystem.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation on user-controlled parameters used in PHP file inclusion operations. The theme code does not restrict inclusion targets to a whitelist of allowed files, nor does it sanitize path traversal sequences. Any input reaching the vulnerable include or require call is interpreted as a filesystem path relative to the PHP working directory.
Attack Vector
An attacker crafts an HTTP request containing a manipulated filename parameter targeting a vulnerable CozyStay endpoint. The supplied path can traverse the directory structure to reference local PHP files. When combined with techniques such as log poisoning, session file injection, or pre-existing file upload features, the LFI can be escalated to remote code execution. The vulnerability is described in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. The vulnerability mechanism follows the standard PHP LFI pattern where unsanitized input flows directly into file inclusion functions.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-49508
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants (%2e%2e%2f) directed at CozyStay theme endpoints
- Web server access logs showing requests with suspicious filename parameters referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP wrapper streams like php://filter
- Unexpected PHP file reads or unusual file access patterns from the web server process targeting theme directories under /wp-content/themes/cozystay/
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules to identify and block path traversal patterns and PHP wrapper schemes in query strings and POST bodies
- Monitor WordPress access logs for anomalous parameter values containing absolute paths, null bytes, or directory traversal sequences
- Implement file integrity monitoring on the WordPress installation to detect unauthorized file reads or modifications
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on the web server and PHP error logs to capture inclusion attempts and warnings about missing files
- Correlate authentication events with file access patterns to identify unauthenticated exploitation attempts
- Alert on outbound connections from the web server process, which may indicate post-exploitation activity following successful LFI to RCE escalation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-49508
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations running the CozyStay theme and verify the installed version against 1.7.1
- Apply the vendor patch by updating CozyStay to a version newer than 1.7.1 as soon as it becomes available
- Restrict access to the WordPress site behind a web application firewall configured to block LFI patterns until patching is complete
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects CozyStay versions through 1.7.1. Site administrators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for fixed version information and upgrade guidance from LoftOcean.
Workarounds
- Configure PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory and prevent traversal to sensitive system paths
- Disable the vulnerable theme and switch to an alternative theme until a patched version is deployed
- Apply web application firewall signatures targeting LFI exploitation patterns, including PHP wrapper schemes and path traversal sequences
# Example PHP hardening in php.ini
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/wordpress:/tmp"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
