CVE-2025-67940: Powerlift PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-67940 Overview

CVE-2025-67940 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Powerlift WordPress theme developed by Mikado-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 filesystem.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive files on the server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, and other sensitive data. In certain configurations, LFI can be chained with other techniques to achieve remote code execution.

Affected Products

• Mikado-Themes Powerlift WordPress Theme versions prior to 3.2.1

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2025-67940 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-67940

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Powerlift theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include or require statements. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file path parameter to include files that exist on the local server filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose the wp-config.php file, which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and other sensitive configuration data. Additionally, if the attacker can upload files to the server through other means (such as media uploads), the LFI can potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary PHP code.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controlled parameters that are subsequently used in PHP file inclusion operations. The theme does not properly validate or restrict the file paths that can be included, allowing path traversal sequences and arbitrary file references to be processed.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests containing manipulated file path parameters. By using path traversal sequences (such as ../) or direct file references, the attacker can force the PHP application to include files outside the intended directory scope. This can lead to:

• Disclosure of sensitive configuration files (e.g., wp-config.php, /etc/passwd)
• Exposure of application source code
• Reading of log files that may contain sensitive data
• Potential remote code execution when combined with file upload functionality or log poisoning techniques

The vulnerability affects unauthenticated or authenticated users depending on the specific endpoint implementation within the theme.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-67940

Indicators of Compromise

• Web server logs containing path traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, etc.) targeting theme files
• Requests to Powerlift theme endpoints with unusual file path parameters
• Access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php or system files through the application
• Error logs showing PHP include/require failures for unexpected file paths

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for LFI attack signatures and path traversal attempts
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive configuration files
• Review access logs for suspicious requests containing encoded or repeated directory traversal patterns
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify unauthorized file access attempts through PHP applications

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for PHP include/require operations where possible
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) with rules for LFI attack patterns
• Monitor for unexpected file read operations in WordPress theme directories
• Set up alerts for access patterns matching known LFI exploitation techniques

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-67940

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Powerlift WordPress theme to version 3.2.1 or later immediately
• Audit web server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Review file permissions to restrict PHP from accessing sensitive system files
• Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with LFI protection rules

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in Powerlift theme version 3.2.1. Users should update their theme through the WordPress admin dashboard or by downloading the latest version from the theme vendor. For detailed information about the vulnerability and patch, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database.

Workarounds

• If immediate patching is not possible, disable the Powerlift theme temporarily and switch to a default WordPress theme
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting theme endpoints
• Restrict PHP open_basedir configuration to limit file access scope
• Apply principle of least privilege to web server file permissions to minimize exposure of sensitive files