CVE-2025-53453: Axiomthemes Hygia Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2025-53453 Overview

CVE-2025-53453 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the axiomthemes Hygia WordPress theme through version 1.16. The flaw resides in PHP include/require statements that accept attacker-controlled filename input without proper validation [CWE-98]. An unauthenticated attacker can supply crafted path values over the network to force the application to include arbitrary local files. Successful exploitation can lead to source code disclosure, sensitive configuration exposure, and, in chained scenarios, remote code execution on the underlying WordPress host.

Critical Impact
Network-reachable attackers can read arbitrary server files and potentially execute PHP code by including attacker-controlled local content through the vulnerable theme.

Affected Products

axiomthemes Hygia WordPress theme versions up to and including 1.16
WordPress sites running the Hygia theme on PHP-based hosting stacks
All deployments where the theme is active and reachable over HTTP/HTTPS

Discovery Timeline

2025-12-18 - CVE-2025-53453 published to NVD
2026-04-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53453

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-98], Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The Hygia theme passes user-supplied input into a PHP include or require call without sanitizing or restricting the resolved path. This pattern allows path traversal sequences and absolute paths to reach the file inclusion sink. An attacker who reaches the vulnerable endpoint can load PHP files outside the theme directory, read configuration data such as wp-config.php, and execute any locally writable PHP content. The high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability reflects the ability to disclose secrets, modify execution flow, and disrupt site operation through forced inclusions.

Root Cause

The root cause is the absence of an allow-list or canonical path check before the dynamic inclusion. The theme treats request-derived parameters as trusted filename components and concatenates them into an inclusion call. PHP then resolves the path and loads whatever file the attacker references.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network based and requires no authentication or user interaction, although exploitation complexity is elevated by environmental conditions. An attacker issues an HTTP request to the vulnerable theme endpoint, supplying a manipulated parameter that resolves to a sensitive file on disk. See the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for endpoint-specific technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53453

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Hygia theme paths containing traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or null-byte variants in query parameters
Web server access logs showing parameter values referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, /proc/self/environ, or PHP wrappers like php://filter
Unexpected PHP errors in logs referencing include() or require() with paths outside the theme directory

Detection Strategies

Inspect web access logs for repeated requests to Hygia theme PHP files with suspicious filename parameters
Deploy WAF rules that flag path traversal patterns and PHP wrapper schemes in query strings targeting WordPress theme endpoints
Correlate file read activity on wp-config.php and other sensitive files with the originating HTTP request context

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable PHP error logging and alert on failed to open stream messages tied to dynamic include paths
Monitor outbound connections from the web server that may indicate post-inclusion code execution or data exfiltration
Track changes to WordPress theme and plugin files for unauthorized modifications following suspicious requests

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53453

Immediate Actions Required

Deactivate the Hygia theme on any WordPress site running version 1.16 or earlier until a patched release is verified
Apply a virtual patch at the WAF layer to block path traversal and PHP wrapper payloads against Hygia theme URLs
Rotate WordPress secrets, database credentials, and API keys stored in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected

Patch Information

No fixed version is listed in the available advisory data. Site operators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory and the axiomthemes vendor channel for updated theme releases beyond 1.16.

Workarounds

Restrict access to vulnerable theme endpoints with web server allow-lists or authentication requirements
Set open_basedir in PHP configuration to limit file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory
Disable PHP stream wrappers such as allow_url_include and constrain allow_url_fopen where feasible

bash

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