CVE-2025-67937 Overview
CVE-2025-67937 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Hendon WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, enabling attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure and potentially escalate to remote code execution under certain conditions.
Critical Impact
Attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive server files, potentially exposing database credentials, configuration files, and other confidential data. Combined with log poisoning or other techniques, this vulnerability may enable full server compromise.
Affected Products
- Mikado-Themes Hendon WordPress Theme versions prior to 1.7
- WordPress installations using vulnerable Hendon theme versions
- Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-08 - CVE-2025-67937 published to NVD
- 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-67937
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Hendon WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before passing it to PHP's include or require functions. This allows an attacker to manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary files from the local file system.
The attack requires network access and some user interaction, though the technical complexity is low. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server, potentially compromising both confidentiality and integrity of the affected system. The vulnerability does not directly impact availability.
Root Cause
The root cause lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization of file path parameters within the Hendon theme's PHP code. When user-supplied input is directly concatenated into file inclusion statements without proper filtering, attackers can use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape intended directories and access arbitrary files on the file system.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences to manipulate the file path used in PHP include/require statements. Common exploitation patterns include:
- Using ../ sequences to navigate to sensitive system files like /etc/passwd
- Accessing WordPress configuration files containing database credentials
- Reading PHP session files to hijack user sessions
- Combining with log poisoning techniques to achieve remote code execution
The vulnerability requires some form of user interaction to trigger, which may involve navigating to a specifically crafted URL or submitting a malicious request through the theme's functionality.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-67937
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme files
- Access log entries showing attempts to include sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
- Unusual file read operations from the web server process accessing files outside web root
- Error logs showing PHP include/require failures or warnings for unexpected file paths
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns
- Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
- Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on LFI attack signatures in HTTP traffic
- Monitor PHP error logs for include/require failures that may indicate exploitation attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed access logging for all WordPress theme file requests
- Set up alerts for multiple failed file inclusion attempts from single IP addresses
- Monitor for anomalous file system access patterns from the web server process
- Implement real-time log analysis to detect path traversal attack patterns
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-67937
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Hendon WordPress theme to version 1.7 or later immediately
- Review web server access logs for signs of exploitation attempts
- Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attacks as an interim measure
- Audit other WordPress themes and plugins for similar vulnerabilities
Patch Information
Mikado-Themes has addressed this vulnerability in Hendon theme version 1.7. WordPress administrators should update to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. For detailed patch information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.
Workarounds
- Implement strict input validation at the web application firewall level to block directory traversal sequences
- Configure PHP open_basedir restriction to limit file access to the web root directory
- Remove or disable the Hendon theme if immediate patching is not possible
- Apply file system permissions to restrict web server read access to sensitive files
- Consider using virtual patching through security plugins until the theme can be updated
# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini to restrict file access scope
open_basedir = /var/www/html:/tmp
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
