CVE-2025-53334: Jannah Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-53334 Overview

CVE-2025-53334 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the TieLabs Jannah 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's filesystem. This type of vulnerability (CWE-98) can potentially lead to sensitive information disclosure, arbitrary code execution, or complete system compromise depending on the server configuration and accessible files.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, access credentials, or achieve remote code execution through log poisoning or other LFI-to-RCE techniques.

Affected Products

• TieLabs Jannah WordPress Theme versions prior to 7.5.1

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-28 - CVE-2025-53334 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53334

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to inadequate validation of user-controlled input that is subsequently used in PHP file inclusion functions such as include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once(). When the Jannah theme processes certain requests, it fails to properly sanitize filename parameters, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures and include arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

The Local File Inclusion vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive files such as /etc/passwd, WordPress configuration files containing database credentials (wp-config.php), or other sensitive application data. In more advanced attack scenarios, attackers may chain this vulnerability with other techniques to achieve remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Jannah theme fails to implement proper input validation and sanitization for user-supplied filename parameters before using them in PHP file inclusion operations. This allows path traversal sequences (such as ../) to be processed, enabling attackers to escape the intended directory scope and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves an attacker crafting malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences or manipulated file paths. These requests target vulnerable parameters within the Jannah theme that are processed by PHP file inclusion functions without adequate sanitization.

A typical exploitation scenario involves:

1. Identifying a vulnerable parameter that accepts filename input
2. Injecting path traversal sequences to navigate to sensitive files
3. Reading configuration files, credentials, or system information
4. Potentially escalating to remote code execution through log poisoning or PHP filter chains

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

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53334

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ....//) in theme-related parameters
• Web server logs showing attempts to access system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Requests containing PHP wrapper protocols such as php://filter or php://input
• Abnormal access patterns to WordPress theme directories

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing ../ patterns or encoded variants targeting the Jannah theme
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for PHP LFI exploitation patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on web servers to capture detailed request parameters
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive files outside the WordPress installation directory
• Monitor for unusual PHP error messages that may indicate failed file inclusion attempts
• Review access logs for requests targeting theme template files with suspicious query parameters

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53334

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the TieLabs Jannah theme to version 7.5.1 or later immediately
• Audit web server access logs for signs of exploitation attempts
• Review file permissions to ensure sensitive files are not world-readable
• Consider temporarily disabling the Jannah theme if immediate patching is not possible

Patch Information

TieLabs has addressed this vulnerability in Jannah theme version 7.5.1. Site administrators should update to this version or later through the WordPress admin dashboard or by downloading the latest version directly from the vendor. For additional details about the vulnerability and remediation, consult the Patchstack advisory.

Workarounds

• Implement server-side path validation using PHP's basename() function to strip directory components from user input
• Configure open_basedir in PHP settings to restrict file operations to specific directories
• Deploy WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns
• Use Apache mod_security or Nginx security configurations to filter malicious requests

# Example Apache mod_rewrite rules to block path traversal attempts
# Add to .htaccess in WordPress root directory
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (php://|file://) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>