CVE-2025-69050: Overworld PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69050 Overview

CVE-2025-69050 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Edge-Themes Overworld WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP, classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). This flaw allows attackers to include local files from the server, potentially leading to information disclosure, configuration file exposure, or in some cases, remote code execution when combined with other attack vectors.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive files from the web server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, or other sensitive data. When combined with file upload vulnerabilities or log poisoning techniques, this could escalate to remote code execution.

Affected Products

• Edge-Themes Overworld WordPress Theme versions through 1.3
• WordPress installations using the Overworld theme
• Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2025-69050 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69050

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is categorized as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), commonly known as PHP Remote File Inclusion, though in this case it specifically enables Local File Inclusion attacks. The Overworld WordPress theme fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include or require statements. This allows an attacker to manipulate file paths and include arbitrary local files from the server.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because WordPress installations often contain sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php which stores database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, attackers may be able to read system files like /etc/passwd on Linux servers or leverage log files for code execution through log poisoning techniques.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the Overworld theme's PHP code. When the application accepts user input to dynamically construct file paths for include or require statements without proper sanitization, attackers can use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to navigate the file system and include unintended files. The theme fails to implement proper allowlist-based validation or path canonicalization before including files.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability involves manipulating request parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences to read sensitive files from the server. The exploitation typically follows this pattern:

1. Identify the vulnerable parameter accepting file path input
2. Inject directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../../../) to navigate outside the intended directory
3. Target sensitive files such as WordPress configuration files, system files, or log files
4. Extract sensitive information or attempt to achieve code execution through log poisoning

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69050

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or ..%252f targeting the Overworld theme files
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or log files through theme endpoints
• Unexpected file read operations or access to configuration files from web server processes
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with paths outside expected directories

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in request parameters
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing path traversal sequences targeting WordPress theme directories
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive WordPress files to detect unauthorized access attempts
• Use intrusion detection systems with signatures for LFI attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for WordPress and the web server to capture detailed request information
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive system files from web application contexts
• Monitor for unusual file read patterns from PHP processes, especially targeting configuration files
• Implement security information and event management (SIEM) rules for LFI attack detection

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69050

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Overworld WordPress theme to the latest patched version if available from Edge-Themes
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Overworld theme with a secure alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block directory traversal patterns targeting the theme
• Review web server logs for signs of exploitation attempts
• Ensure WordPress and all plugins are updated to their latest versions

Patch Information

No official patch information is currently available in the vulnerability data. Organizations should monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for updates on remediation guidance. Contact Edge-Themes directly for information about patched versions of the Overworld theme.

Workarounds

• Implement server-level protections by configuring open_basedir in PHP to restrict file access to the WordPress directory
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules blocking directory traversal sequences and common LFI attack patterns
• Use WordPress security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities
• Consider file permission hardening to limit readable files by the web server process
• Implement input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar solutions

# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini or .htaccess to restrict file inclusion paths
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/
# disable_functions = include_once,require_once (use with caution)

# Apache ModSecurity rule to block directory traversal
# SecRule REQUEST_URI "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:1,deny,status:403,msg:'Directory traversal attempt blocked'"