CVE-2025-52808: RealtyElite PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-52808 Overview

CVE-2025-52808 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the RealtyElite WordPress theme developed by real-web. 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 information disclosure, code execution, and full server compromise when combined with other attack vectors.

Critical Impact

Attackers can leverage this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive server files, extract credentials, access configuration data, and potentially achieve remote code execution through log poisoning or other file inclusion techniques.

Affected Products

• RealtyElite WordPress Theme version 1.0.0 and earlier
• WordPress installations running vulnerable RealtyElite theme
• Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-06-27 - CVE-2025-52808 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-52808

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The RealtyElite WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include or require statements. This allows an attacker to manipulate file paths and include arbitrary files from the local file system.

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, though successful exploitation requires the attacker to overcome certain conditions. When successfully exploited, attackers gain the ability to read sensitive files such as wp-config.php, access database credentials, view server configuration files, and potentially achieve code execution through techniques like log poisoning or PHP filter chains.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the RealtyElite theme's PHP code. The theme accepts user-controlled input and directly passes it to PHP's include() or require() functions without proper sanitization or path restriction. This allows directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory and access files elsewhere on the file system.

The lack of a whitelist-based approach for allowable files, combined with missing path canonicalization and validation, enables attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that the PHP interpreter then includes and executes.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and can be executed by unauthenticated remote attackers. Exploitation involves crafting malicious HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences to manipulate the file inclusion path.

A typical attack scenario involves the attacker identifying the vulnerable parameter in the RealtyElite theme, then injecting path traversal payloads like ../../wp-config.php to include sensitive files. The attacker may also leverage PHP filter wrappers such as php://filter/convert.base64-encode/resource= to exfiltrate file contents even when direct inclusion doesn't produce visible output.

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-52808

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme files
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Requests containing PHP filter wrappers such as php://filter or php://input
• Unexpected base64-encoded data in HTTP responses

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in request parameters
• Monitor web server access logs for suspicious patterns including repeated directory traversal sequences
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Use SentinelOne Singularity Platform to detect anomalous PHP process behavior and file access patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for WordPress and web server to capture full request details
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive system files from web application contexts
• Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that may indicate successful exfiltration
• Review PHP error logs for include/require failures that may indicate exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-52808

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress installations using the RealtyElite theme version 1.0.0 or earlier
• Deactivate and remove the vulnerable RealtyElite theme until a patch is available
• Review web server logs for signs of exploitation attempts
• Consider implementing virtual patching through WAF rules to block LFI attacks

Patch Information

As of the last available information, there is no official patch released by the vendor for this vulnerability. The RealtyElite theme version 1.0.0 and all prior versions remain affected. Website administrators should consult the Patchstack advisory for updates on patch availability and switch to an alternative theme until a fix is released.

Workarounds

• Replace the RealtyElite theme with a secure alternative WordPress theme
• Implement Web Application Firewall rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns
• Restrict PHP open_basedir directive to limit file system access to necessary directories only
• Disable dangerous PHP functions and wrappers in php.ini configuration

# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini to restrict file system access

open_basedir = /var/www/html:/tmp
disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off