CVE-2025-58924: Geya Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-58924 Overview

CVE-2025-58924 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Geya WordPress theme in versions up to and including 1.15. The flaw is classified under [CWE-98] (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). Remote attackers can include arbitrary local files in PHP execution paths without authentication. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive files, execution of attacker-controlled PHP, and full compromise of the underlying WordPress installation.

Critical Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can reach a network-accessible PHP include/require sink in the Geya theme, exposing site secrets and enabling code execution under the web server account.

Affected Products

Geya WordPress theme versions <= 1.15
WordPress sites running the vulnerable Geya theme regardless of WordPress core version
Any hosting environment exposing the affected theme to network traffic

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-58924 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-58924

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a PHP file inclusion flaw [CWE-98] in the Geya theme. A request parameter consumed by the theme is passed into a PHP include or require statement without proper validation or allow-listing. Because the entry point does not enforce authentication, any remote client can reach the vulnerable code path. The Patchstack advisory categorizes this issue as a Local File Inclusion impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the host.

LFI in PHP applications typically lets attackers read arbitrary files readable by the web server, such as wp-config.php, which discloses database credentials and authentication keys. When PHP wrappers or log poisoning techniques apply, the same primitive can be escalated to remote code execution. The Geya theme is a front-end component, so the vulnerable handler is exposed to anonymous internet traffic on any site that activates the theme.

Root Cause

The root cause is direct use of attacker-controlled input within a PHP file inclusion call without sanitization, canonicalization, or restriction to an allow list of known-safe template names. Path traversal sequences and absolute paths are not filtered, allowing inclusion of files outside the intended template directory.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker issues an HTTP request to the vulnerable Geya endpoint with a manipulated parameter that resolves to a local file. The included file is then parsed by the PHP interpreter in the context of the web request. Technical details are available in the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58924

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Geya theme PHP endpoints containing path traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or URL-encoded null bytes
Requests referencing sensitive WordPress files including wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
Use of PHP stream wrappers like php://filter, php://input, or data:// in query parameters
Unexpected PHP errors in web server logs referencing include() or require() failures from theme files

Detection Strategies

Inspect web access logs for requests targeting wp-content/themes/geya/ with suspicious file path parameters
Deploy WAF signatures for LFI payloads against WordPress theme endpoints
Correlate file read access on wp-config.php with the originating HTTP request and source IP

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward WordPress access and PHP error logs to a centralized log platform for correlation
Alert on outbound connections initiated by the PHP-FPM or web server process following anomalous theme requests
Track integrity of theme files and detect creation of new PHP files under wp-content/uploads

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58924

Immediate Actions Required

Deactivate the Geya theme on all WordPress sites until a fixed version is confirmed installed
Rotate WordPress salts, database credentials, and any API keys stored in wp-config.php if exposure is suspected
Restrict access to WordPress administrative paths and theme directories via WAF or reverse proxy rules
Audit wp-content/uploads and theme directories for unauthorized PHP files indicating post-exploitation

Patch Information

No fixed version is listed in the available CVE data. Site operators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for vendor remediation status and apply any released update above version 1.15 once available.

Workarounds

Replace the Geya theme with a maintained alternative until a patched release is published
Apply WAF rules that block path traversal sequences and PHP stream wrappers in query parameters
Set open_basedir in PHP configuration to restrict file reads to the WordPress document root
Disable PHP allow_url_include and ensure allow_url_fopen is off to limit escalation to remote inclusion

bash

# Example PHP hardening in php.ini
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"