CVE-2025-69047: MaxShop Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69047 Overview

CVE-2025-69047 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the MaxShop WordPress theme (sw_maxshop) developed by magentech. 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.

This vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive files, potentially expose configuration data, and in certain scenarios, achieve code execution by including files containing malicious content such as log files with injected PHP code.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive server files, access WordPress configuration credentials, and potentially achieve remote code execution through log poisoning techniques.

Affected Products

• MaxShop WordPress Theme (sw_maxshop) versions up to and including 3.6.20
• WordPress installations using the affected MaxShop theme
• Web servers hosting WordPress sites with the vulnerable theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE-2025-69047 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69047

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The MaxShop WordPress 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 arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to read the wp-config.php file, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, if an attacker can control the contents of any file on the server (such as through log file injection), they may escalate the LFI to remote code execution.

The vulnerability affects all versions of the MaxShop theme from the initial release through version 3.6.20. WordPress sites using this theme are exposed to potential data disclosure and server compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the theme's PHP code. When handling include or require statements, the application fails to properly validate that the requested file is within an allowed directory or matches an expected pattern. This allows path traversal sequences and arbitrary file paths to be processed, enabling attackers to include files outside the intended scope.

Specifically, the theme likely accepts user input (such as template names or module identifiers) and directly incorporates this input into file inclusion operations without adequate sanitization or allowlist validation.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to the WordPress site with manipulated parameters that control file inclusion. The attack typically involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable parameter that controls file inclusion in the MaxShop theme
2. Using directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../) to navigate outside the intended directory
3. Targeting sensitive files such as /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or application log files
4. Potentially chaining with log poisoning by injecting PHP code into log files and then including those logs

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by any unauthenticated user who can send HTTP requests to the affected WordPress installation. Successful exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, making this a significant risk for exposed WordPress sites.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69047

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting MaxShop theme endpoints
• Unusual access patterns to theme files with unexpected parameters
• Web server logs showing attempts to access system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with suspicious file paths

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in URL parameters and POST data
• Monitor WordPress access logs for requests containing directory traversal patterns targeting theme directories
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on LFI attack signatures
• Review PHP error logs for include/require failures that may indicate exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed access logging for all WordPress installations and regularly analyze for anomalous patterns
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files including wp-config.php
• Set up alerts for any unusual file access patterns from the web server process
• Monitor for newly created or modified files in WordPress directories that could indicate successful exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69047

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress installations using the MaxShop (sw_maxshop) theme version 3.6.20 or earlier
• Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme until a patched version is available
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the affected theme
• Review web server and WordPress logs for signs of exploitation attempts
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential LFI exploitation

Patch Information

Users should monitor for updates from magentech for the MaxShop theme. Additional details about this vulnerability and potential patches may be available through the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database.

Until an official patch is released, site administrators should implement the recommended workarounds and monitor their environments closely for any suspicious activity.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to block common LFI attack patterns including path traversal sequences
• If possible, replace the MaxShop theme with an alternative theme that is not affected by this vulnerability
• Implement PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file access to necessary directories only
• Ensure web server runs with minimal privileges and cannot access sensitive system files
• Consider using WordPress security plugins that provide real-time protection against file inclusion attacks