CVE-2025-53578: Kipso Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-53578 Overview

CVE-2025-53578 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Kipso WordPress theme developed by gavias. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the web server. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and potentially remote code execution if combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive server files, potentially exposing database credentials, WordPress configuration details, and other critical system information that could facilitate further attacks.

Affected Products

• Kipso WordPress Theme versions through 1.3.4
• WordPress installations using vulnerable Kipso theme versions
• Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-28 - CVE-2025-53578 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53578

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Kipso theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before using it in PHP include() or require() functions. This allows an attacker to manipulate file paths and include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. The network-accessible attack vector means remote unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability, though the high attack complexity suggests specific conditions or knowledge may be required for successful exploitation.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-53578 lies in the Kipso theme's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization for file path parameters. When user-supplied input is directly concatenated or used within PHP file inclusion functions without adequate filtering, attackers can traverse directory structures using sequences like ../ to access files outside the intended directory scope.

WordPress themes that dynamically include template files or components based on user input are particularly susceptible to this class of vulnerability when proper security controls are not implemented.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication. An attacker would craft malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences to manipulate the file inclusion logic. By injecting payloads such as ../../wp-config.php or similar path traversal strings, the attacker can force the application to include and potentially display sensitive files.

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to:

• Read the wp-config.php file to obtain database credentials
• Access log files that may contain sensitive information
• Include /etc/passwd or other system files to enumerate users
• Potentially achieve remote code execution through log poisoning techniques

For detailed technical analysis of this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53578

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or ....// targeting theme files
• Access log entries showing attempts to include sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or log files
• Unexpected file access patterns in the Kipso theme directory
• Error messages in logs indicating file inclusion failures for non-existent paths

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server access logs for suspicious requests containing .. sequences or attempts to access configuration files
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on LFI attack signatures targeting WordPress themes
• Review application logs for PHP errors related to file inclusion failures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all HTTP requests to WordPress theme endpoints
• Set up alerts for any access attempts to wp-config.php through non-standard request paths
• Monitor for unusual patterns of file access on the web server
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect path traversal attack attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53578

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Kipso WordPress theme to a patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the Kipso theme
• Review server logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
• Audit WordPress installations to identify all instances of the vulnerable theme

Patch Information

At the time of this advisory, users should check the Patchstack vulnerability database for the latest patch status and remediation guidance. Contact the theme developer (gavias) for an updated version that addresses this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Implement server-level path traversal filtering using .htaccess rules or web server configuration
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules specifically designed to block LFI attacks
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential file inclusion attacks
• Consider using WordPress security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities
• Move sensitive configuration files outside the web root where possible

# Example .htaccess rule to block common path traversal patterns
# Add to WordPress root .htaccess file
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (wp-config\.php) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>