CVE-2025-67920: Neo Ocular PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-67920 Overview

CVE-2025-67920 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Neo Ocular WordPress theme developed by Elated-Themes. 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 unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, source code disclosure, and potentially remote code execution when chained with other techniques such as log poisoning or file upload vulnerabilities.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely to read sensitive files, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and underlying server.

Affected Products

Neo Ocular WordPress Theme versions prior to 1.2
WordPress installations running vulnerable Neo Ocular theme
Elated-Themes neoocular theme package

Discovery Timeline

2026-01-08 - CVE-2025-67920 published to NVD
2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-67920

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Neo Ocular theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include() or require() statements. This allows attackers to manipulate the file path parameter to traverse directories and include arbitrary files from the local file system.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation grants attackers complete access to read sensitive files, which can expose database credentials from wp-config.php, reveal application source code, and potentially lead to full system compromise when combined with other attack techniques.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controlled parameters that are passed to PHP file inclusion functions. The theme likely accepts a parameter (such as a template name or file identifier) from user input and directly incorporates it into an include path without proper filtering of path traversal sequences like ../ or validating against an allowlist of permitted files.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable via network-based requests to the WordPress installation running the vulnerable theme. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences to access files outside the intended directory. Common targets include:

/etc/passwd for system user enumeration
wp-config.php for database credentials
PHP session files for session hijacking
Server log files for log poisoning attacks that can escalate to remote code execution

The attack requires no privileges and can be performed by any unauthenticated remote attacker who can reach the WordPress site. By reading the wp-config.php file, attackers can obtain database credentials, authentication keys, and salts, potentially leading to complete site takeover.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-67920

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting theme files
Unusual access patterns to theme endpoints with file inclusion parameters
Access logs showing requests attempting to read sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with unexpected paths

Detection Strategies

Monitor web server access logs for requests containing path traversal patterns such as ../ or URL-encoded variants
Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block LFI attack patterns
Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
Use security plugins to scan for known vulnerable theme versions

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging for all HTTP requests to WordPress theme endpoints
Configure alerts for any access attempts to sensitive files through web requests
Regularly audit installed themes and their versions against vulnerability databases
Monitor for unusual file read operations from the web server process

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-67920

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Neo Ocular theme to version 1.2 or later immediately
If updating is not possible, deactivate and remove the vulnerable theme
Review web server logs for signs of exploitation attempts
Rotate all credentials that may have been exposed, including database passwords and WordPress authentication keys

Patch Information

The vulnerability affects Neo Ocular theme versions prior to 1.2. Users should update to version 1.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Detailed information about the security patch is available through the Patchstack vulnerability database.

Workarounds

Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences
Restrict access to the WordPress admin area and theme files using .htaccess rules or server configuration
Use PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file access from the web server
Deploy a security plugin with virtual patching capabilities to protect against LFI attacks until the theme can be updated

bash

# Apache .htaccess rule to block common LFI patterns
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%252f) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (etc/passwd|wp-config\.php) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>