CVE-2025-60047: Axiomthemes Ipharm Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2025-60047 Overview

CVE-2025-60047 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the IPharm WordPress theme developed by axiomthemes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server. This security flaw can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, potential source code disclosure, and in certain configurations, may be escalated to achieve remote code execution.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely to include arbitrary local files, potentially exposing sensitive server configurations, WordPress credentials, and database connection strings without authentication.

Affected Products

• axiomthemes IPharm WordPress theme versions through 1.2.3
• WordPress installations running the vulnerable IPharm theme
• Websites using IPharm theme without proper file access restrictions

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-12-18 - CVE-2025-60047 published to NVD
• 2026-01-20 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-60047

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The IPharm WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize 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.

The attack can be conducted remotely over the network and requires user interaction to exploit successfully. If successfully exploited, an attacker can achieve both high confidentiality and integrity impacts on the target system, potentially accessing sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or other critical configuration files.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the IPharm theme's file handling mechanisms. When processing include or require operations, the theme does not adequately sanitize user-controlled parameters, allowing path traversal sequences or direct file references to be injected. This lack of proper filename validation enables attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that are then processed by PHP's include functionality.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable via network-based attacks where an attacker crafts malicious requests containing manipulated file path parameters. The attack requires some form of user interaction, suggesting the exploitation may involve social engineering or require a victim to access a specially crafted URL.

Typical exploitation involves using path traversal sequences such as ../ to navigate the directory structure and access files outside the intended web directory. An attacker could attempt to include sensitive files like WordPress configuration files, system password files, or PHP session data.

The exploitation methodology typically involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable parameter within the IPharm theme
2. Crafting a request with path traversal sequences pointing to target files
3. Extracting sensitive information from included file contents
4. Potentially escalating to code execution if log poisoning or PHP wrapper techniques are applicable

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-60047

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting IPharm theme files
• Access log entries showing attempts to include system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Web server error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts or permission denied errors
• Unexpected file access patterns in PHP error logs referencing the IPharm theme directory

Detection Strategies

• Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in URL parameters
• Implement file integrity monitoring on WordPress theme directories to detect unauthorized modifications
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on LFI attack signatures targeting WordPress installations
• Enable detailed PHP error logging and monitor for include-related warnings or errors

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing encoded or obfuscated path traversal sequences
• Set up alerts for high-frequency requests to theme PHP files from single IP addresses
• Track file access patterns on the server to identify attempts to read sensitive configuration files
• Implement real-time log analysis to correlate suspicious requests across multiple log sources

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-60047

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately assess if the IPharm theme version 1.2.3 or earlier is installed on your WordPress sites
• Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme until a patched version is available
• Implement web application firewall rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the theme
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updates on available patches. Currently, all versions through 1.2.3 are affected. Users should check the axiomthemes website or WordPress theme repository for an updated version that addresses this vulnerability. Until a patch is available, implementing the workarounds below is strongly recommended.

Workarounds

• Configure PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Implement input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar WAF solutions
• Disable directory listing and ensure proper file permissions on sensitive configuration files
• Consider using a virtual patching solution to block exploitation attempts while awaiting an official fix

# Configuration example - Apache ModSecurity rule to block LFI attempts
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|ARGS_NAMES "@contains ../" \
    "id:100001,phase:1,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt Blocked',log"

# PHP configuration to restrict file access (add to php.ini or .htaccess)
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/