CVE-2025-58933: Anubis Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-58933 Overview

CVE-2025-58933 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Axiomthemes Anubis 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 can lead to disclosure of sensitive configuration files, PHP source code, or potentially escalate to remote code execution if combined with other techniques such as log poisoning.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive files from affected WordPress installations, potentially exposing database credentials, API keys, and other confidential information stored on the server.

Affected Products

• Axiomthemes Anubis WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.25

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-12-18 - CVE-2025-58933 published to NVD
• 2026-04-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-58933

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Anubis WordPress theme contains code that dynamically includes PHP files based on user-controllable input without proper validation or sanitization. This design flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file path parameter to traverse directories and include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

The network-based attack vector means exploitation can occur remotely without authentication. While the attack complexity is considered high due to potential environmental factors, successful exploitation results in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the theme's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include or require statements. The vulnerable code likely accepts a parameter that specifies which template or component to load, but does not adequately restrict the input to prevent directory traversal sequences (such as ../) or validate that the requested file is within an allowed directory.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploited over the network, typically through HTTP requests to the WordPress installation. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to escape the intended directory and include sensitive system files. Common targets include:

• WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php) containing database credentials
• System files like /etc/passwd for user enumeration
• PHP session files for session hijacking
• Log files that could be poisoned for remote code execution

The exploitation does not require authentication, making any publicly accessible WordPress site running vulnerable versions of the Anubis theme a potential target. The attack typically involves manipulating URL parameters or POST data to inject traversal sequences that cause the server to include unintended files.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58933

Indicators of Compromise

• Web server access logs containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme endpoints
• Unusual file access patterns attempting to read sensitive configuration files
• Requests to Anubis theme URLs with suspicious parameters containing file paths
• Failed or successful attempts to access /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or similar sensitive files

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in URL parameters
• Monitor web server logs for requests containing encoded or plain-text directory traversal sequences
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on sensitive configuration files to detect unauthorized access
• Use intrusion detection systems with signatures for LFI attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on WordPress installations to capture detailed request parameters
• Configure alerting for any access attempts to sensitive files outside the web root
• Monitor for unusual PHP error messages that may indicate failed inclusion attempts
• Review access logs regularly for patterns of reconnaissance or exploitation activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58933

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Axiomthemes Anubis theme to a version newer than 1.25 if a patch is available
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the theme
• Restrict file permissions on sensitive configuration files to minimize exposure

Patch Information

Consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Advisory for the latest information on available patches and remediation guidance from the vendor. Contact Axiomthemes directly for information on patched versions.

Workarounds

• Implement input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar WAF with rules blocking path traversal sequences
• Use PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Configure the web server to deny direct access to sensitive files through location blocks or access rules
• Consider implementing a virtual patching solution until an official patch is released
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity to detect and prevent exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis

# Example Apache configuration to restrict file access
<Directory /var/www/html>
    # Deny access to sensitive files
    <FilesMatch "^(wp-config\.php|\.htaccess|\.htpasswd)$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>

# PHP open_basedir restriction (php.ini or .htaccess)
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html:/tmp