CVE-2025-58706: Axiomthemes Woo Hoo Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2025-58706 Overview

CVE-2025-58706 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the axiomthemes Woo Hoo WordPress theme. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, classified under [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local PHP files on the underlying server. The issue affects all versions of Woo Hoo from n/a through 1.25. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive files, execution of attacker-controlled PHP code uploaded through other vectors, and full compromise of the WordPress site.

Critical Impact
Network-based attackers without authentication can include arbitrary local PHP files, potentially leading to remote code execution and full site compromise.

Affected Products

axiomthemes Woo Hoo WordPress theme versions up to and including 1.25
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Woo Hoo theme
Sites with user-writable upload directories combined with the vulnerable theme

Discovery Timeline

2025-12-18 - CVE-2025-58706 published to NVD
2026-01-20 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-58706

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the Woo Hoo theme's handling of PHP file inclusion. The theme passes user-controllable input into an include or require statement without sufficient validation or allow-listing. This category of flaw is tracked as [CWE-98], "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program."

While labeled an LFI rather than full Remote File Inclusion, the impact remains substantial. An attacker can target local files such as wp-config.php, server logs, session files, or any PHP file already present on disk. When combined with file upload functionality, log poisoning, or session file manipulation, LFI frequently escalates to remote code execution within the WordPress process context.

The CVSS vector indicates high attack complexity, suggesting that exploitation requires specific conditions, such as particular configuration states or chained primitives, rather than a single trivial request.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing or insufficient sanitization of a file path parameter consumed by a PHP inclusion construct. The theme does not normalize the input, strip traversal sequences such as ../, or restrict inclusion targets to a fixed allow-list within the theme directory.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs over the network through standard HTTP requests to a vulnerable theme endpoint. No authentication or user interaction is required. The attacker supplies a crafted parameter referencing a local file path, which the theme then passes to include or a comparable construct. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58706

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Woo Hoo theme PHP files containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or null byte variants
Unexpected access patterns targeting wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files via theme parameters
Web server logs showing repeated probing of theme endpoints with file or path-style query parameters
New or modified PHP files in upload directories followed by inclusion attempts

Detection Strategies

Inspect web access logs for parameters containing file path patterns directed at /wp-content/themes/woohoo/ resources
Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that block LFI signatures and path traversal sequences in query strings and POST bodies
Correlate inclusion attempts with subsequent PHP process activity such as new outbound connections or shell spawns

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose WordPress and PHP error logging to capture failed include/require operations
Monitor file integrity on the WordPress installation, especially wp-content/uploads and theme directories
Alert on PHP processes spawning shells, network utilities, or writing to web-accessible paths

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58706

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress sites using the axiomthemes Woo Hoo theme and inventory installed versions
Disable or replace the Woo Hoo theme until a patched version is confirmed available from the vendor
Restrict access to WordPress admin and theme paths via IP allow-listing or authentication gateways where feasible
Review web server and WordPress logs for prior exploitation attempts referencing theme files

Patch Information

At the time of publication, the Patchstack advisory indicates the issue affects Woo Hoo versions up to and including 1.25. Administrators should consult the vendor and Patchstack for the latest fixed release and apply it immediately upon availability.

Workarounds

Deploy WAF rules to block path traversal patterns and file inclusion payloads targeting Woo Hoo theme endpoints
Set PHP open_basedir to restrict file system access to the WordPress directory only
Disable PHP allow_url_include and ensure allow_url_fopen is disabled if not required
Apply least-privilege file permissions on wp-config.php and prevent web-writable directories from being executable as PHP

bash

# Example php.ini hardening to reduce LFI impact
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"