CVE-2025-67936: Curly Theme Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-67936 Overview

CVE-2025-67936 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Curly WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server. This flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, potential disclosure of credentials, and could serve as a stepping stone to more severe attacks such as remote code execution when combined with other techniques.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files on the server, including WordPress configuration files containing database credentials, potentially leading to complete site compromise.

Affected Products

• Mikado-Themes Curly WordPress Theme versions prior to 3.3
• WordPress installations using vulnerable Curly theme versions
• Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-08 - CVE-2025-67936 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-67936

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Curly WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input that is subsequently used in PHP include or require statements. This allows an attacker to manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary files from the local file system.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and salts. The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means any unauthenticated remote attacker can potentially exploit it, though user interaction is required for successful exploitation.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Curly theme's PHP code. When the theme processes user-supplied input for file inclusion operations, it fails to properly restrict the file paths that can be referenced. This allows path traversal sequences and manipulation of the include path to access files outside the intended directory scope.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2025-67936 is network-based, requiring user interaction for successful exploitation. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute file paths to include sensitive local files. Common targets include:

• WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php) containing database credentials
• Server configuration files (/etc/passwd on Linux systems)
• PHP session files that could enable session hijacking
• Log files that might contain sensitive information or be leveraged for log poisoning attacks leading to RCE

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating parameters in HTTP requests to the affected theme components, causing the PHP application to include and potentially execute or expose the contents of arbitrary local files.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-67936

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting theme files
• Server access logs showing requests with suspicious file path parameters pointing to system files
• Unexpected access to sensitive files like wp-config.php from web-facing processes
• Error logs indicating file inclusion failures or unexpected file access attempts

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in request parameters
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing directory traversal sequences targeting the Curly theme
• Deploy intrusion detection system (IDS) signatures for PHP LFI attack patterns
• Review WordPress theme file integrity for unauthorized modifications

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all HTTP requests to WordPress installations using the Curly theme
• Set up alerts for requests containing suspicious path traversal characters or patterns
• Monitor for unusual file access patterns on the web server, particularly access to configuration files
• Implement real-time security monitoring for WordPress installations using endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-67936

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Curly WordPress theme to version 3.3 or later immediately
• If immediate patching is not possible, temporarily disable or remove the vulnerable theme
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Audit WordPress configuration and rotate database credentials if compromise is suspected

Patch Information

The vulnerability affects Mikado-Themes Curly WordPress theme in versions prior to 3.3. Administrators should update to the latest version of the theme through the WordPress admin dashboard or by downloading the updated theme directly from the vendor. For detailed patch information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting theme files
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the web server user's access to sensitive files
• Use PHP configuration options such as open_basedir to restrict file access to the web root directory
• Consider using a security plugin that provides virtual patching capabilities for WordPress vulnerabilities

The vulnerability can be mitigated at the web server level by implementing strict input validation rules. For Apache servers, mod_security rules can be configured to detect and block LFI attack patterns. For Nginx, similar protection can be achieved through location block restrictions and request filtering configurations. Organizations using SentinelOne can leverage the Singularity platform's behavioral AI to detect and respond to file inclusion exploitation attempts in real-time.