CVE-2025-58803: Axiomthemes Algenix Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2025-58803 Overview

CVE-2025-58803 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Axiomthemes Algenix 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 files into the PHP execution context. Successful exploitation leads to source code disclosure, sensitive configuration leakage, and potential remote code execution when attackers reach log files or uploaded content. The vulnerability affects all Algenix theme versions up to and including 1.0. The issue is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local PHP files, leading to information disclosure and potential code execution on affected WordPress sites.

Affected Products

• Axiomthemes Algenix WordPress theme versions up to and including 1.0
• WordPress installations with the Algenix theme active
• Sites using the vulnerable theme regardless of WordPress core version

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-12-18 - CVE-2025-58803 published to NVD
• 2026-04-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-58803

Vulnerability Analysis

The Algenix theme passes user-controllable input into PHP file inclusion functions without proper sanitization or allowlist validation. PHP file inclusion functions such as include, include_once, require, and require_once execute any PHP code contained in the resolved file path. When the input is attacker-controlled, this primitive allows arbitrary file loading from the local file system.

The attack complexity is elevated because the vulnerable code path likely requires specific request conditions or filtering bypass techniques. However, no privileges or user interaction are required, and the impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress instance.

The EPSS data places exploitation probability at 0.214%, but the absence of authentication requirements makes opportunistic scanning likely once a public proof-of-concept emerges.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation on a parameter used to construct a file path passed to a PHP include directive. The theme does not enforce an allowlist of permitted template files, does not normalize directory traversal sequences such as ../, and does not constrain inclusions to a specific directory. This matches the [CWE-98] pattern of Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement.

Attack Vector

An unauthenticated remote attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable Algenix theme endpoint. The request includes a parameter whose value resolves to a local file path. The PHP interpreter then loads and executes the referenced file. Attackers typically target files such as wp-config.php for credential disclosure or web server log files combined with log poisoning to achieve code execution. The vulnerability manifests in the theme's file inclusion logic. See the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58803

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to Algenix theme paths containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or URL-encoded variants %2e%2e%2f
• Requests with parameter values referencing system files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP wrappers such as php://filter
• Unexpected access to PHP files outside the theme's normal template directory
• Web server log entries containing PHP code fragments that may indicate log poisoning attempts

Detection Strategies

• Inspect web server access logs for query strings targeting Algenix theme files with suspicious file path parameters
• Deploy web application firewall rules matching LFI signatures including null byte injection and traversal sequences
• Monitor PHP error logs for include or require warnings referencing unexpected file paths
• Correlate file system access events on wp-config.php and other sensitive files with HTTP request timing

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable WordPress audit logging to track theme file access patterns and parameter values
• Forward web server and PHP-FPM logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and analytical querying
• Establish baseline request patterns for the Algenix theme and alert on deviations involving file path parameters

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58803

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate the Algenix theme on all affected WordPress installations until a patched version is available
• Switch to a maintained alternative theme to remove the vulnerable code from the request path
• Apply web application firewall rules to block LFI patterns targeting Algenix theme endpoints
• Audit wp-config.php and rotate any database credentials, salts, and API keys that may have been exposed

Patch Information

No official patch is currently referenced in the NVD entry. The vulnerability affects all versions through 1.0. Review the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for vendor remediation status and contact Axiomthemes for updated guidance.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to the vulnerable theme endpoints at the web server level using location-based access control rules
• Configure PHP open_basedir directive to limit file inclusion to specific directories
• Disable PHP wrappers such as allow_url_include and restrict allow_url_fopen in php.ini
• Place the WordPress installation behind a reverse proxy that enforces strict parameter validation

# Configuration example: php.ini hardening to limit 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"