CVE-2025-54003: Depot Theme PHP File Inclusion Flaw

CVE-2025-54003 Overview

CVE-2025-54003 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Mikado-Themes Depot 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. This type of vulnerability can lead to sensitive information disclosure, source code exposure, and potentially remote code execution if combined with other attack vectors such as log file poisoning.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive files from the server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, and other critical data stored on the WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• Mikado-Themes Depot WordPress Theme version 1.16 and earlier
• All WordPress installations using the vulnerable Depot theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE-2025-54003 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-54003

Vulnerability Analysis

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

When a PHP application uses dynamic file inclusion without proper validation, attackers can traverse directory structures and include files outside the intended scope. In the context of WordPress, this could expose sensitive files such as wp-config.php which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and other critical configuration data.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controllable parameters that are subsequently passed to PHP's file inclusion functions (include(), include_once(), require(), or require_once()). The Depot theme does not implement adequate filtering to prevent directory traversal sequences or restrict the inclusion path to safe directories.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves manipulating request parameters that control which PHP files are included by the theme. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to navigate outside the theme directory and include sensitive system or application files.

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the WordPress installation. The attacker manipulates parameters used in file inclusion operations to traverse the directory structure and read arbitrary files. For example, an attacker might attempt to include /etc/passwd on Linux systems or WordPress configuration files to extract sensitive information.

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

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54003

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2F, %2e%2e/) targeting theme files
• Web server logs showing requests attempting to access system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php through theme parameters
• Unexpected file access patterns in WordPress theme directories
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts from unexpected paths

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing directory traversal patterns
• Monitor access logs for suspicious requests targeting the Depot theme with unusual parameter values
• Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on LFI attack signatures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for all WordPress theme file access operations
• Set up real-time alerting for directory traversal attempt patterns in web server logs
• Monitor for unusual file read operations originating from the web server process
• Implement SentinelOne Singularity Platform to detect and respond to exploitation attempts in real-time

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54003

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Mikado-Themes Depot theme to the latest patched version as soon as one becomes available
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Depot theme with a secure alternative
• Review web server logs for any signs of prior exploitation attempts
• Implement WAF rules to block directory traversal attacks targeting the theme
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the web server's access to sensitive files

Patch Information

At the time of publication, administrators should check the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest patch information and updated versions from Mikado-Themes. WordPress administrators should ensure they are running the most current version of the Depot theme that addresses this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Implement server-side input validation to block requests containing directory traversal sequences
• Configure .htaccess or web server rules to restrict access to vulnerable theme endpoints
• Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests targeting the vulnerability
• Apply the principle of least privilege to file system permissions, ensuring the web server cannot read sensitive files outside the web root

# Apache .htaccess example to block directory traversal attempts
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\.%2F|%2e%2e) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]

# Restrict access to sensitive WordPress files
<FilesMatch "^wp-config\.php$">
    Order deny,allow
    Deny from all
</FilesMatch>