CVE-2025-69059: DiveIt Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69059 Overview

CVE-2025-69059 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the DiveIt WordPress theme developed by AncoraThemes. This vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), which describes scenarios where an application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations.

Critical Impact
Attackers can leverage this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, access credentials, or potentially achieve remote code execution by including log files containing injected PHP code.

Affected Products

AncoraThemes DiveIt WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.4.3
WordPress installations using vulnerable DiveIt theme versions

Discovery Timeline

2026-01-22 - CVE-2025-69059 published to NVD
2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69059

Vulnerability Analysis

This Local File Inclusion vulnerability exists due to inadequate input validation in the DiveIt WordPress theme. The theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before passing it to PHP file inclusion functions such as include(), include_once(), require(), or require_once().

When exploited, an attacker can manipulate file path parameters to traverse the directory structure and include arbitrary files from the local filesystem. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive information contained in configuration files, source code, or system files such as /etc/passwd on Linux systems.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-69059 lies in the improper control of filename parameters within PHP include/require statements. The DiveIt theme does not implement sufficient input validation or sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute path specifications in user-supplied input.

The absence of proper allowlisting or path canonicalization allows malicious actors to bypass intended directory restrictions and access files outside the expected scope.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability involves manipulating HTTP request parameters that are subsequently used in file inclusion operations. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences to navigate the server's filesystem.

Typical exploitation involves injecting path traversal payloads through vulnerable parameters, allowing the attacker to read sensitive files such as wp-config.php (containing database credentials), theme configuration files, or system files.

In more advanced scenarios, attackers may chain this LFI vulnerability with log file poisoning or other file upload mechanisms to achieve remote code execution by including files containing injected PHP code.

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack DiveIT Theme Vulnerability advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69059

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting the DiveIt theme
Unusual file access patterns in web server logs showing attempts to read system or configuration files
Access attempts to sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or .htaccess through theme parameters
Log entries showing PHP errors related to failed file inclusion attempts

Detection Strategies

Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in requests
Monitor web server access logs for requests containing path traversal sequences targeting the /wp-content/themes/diveit/ directory
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
Review PHP error logs for file inclusion-related warnings or errors

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging for the WordPress installation and web server
Configure alerts for anomalous file access patterns or repeated failed inclusion attempts
Monitor for unusual outbound connections that may indicate data exfiltration following successful exploitation
Regularly audit installed themes and their versions against known vulnerability databases

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69059

Immediate Actions Required

Update the DiveIt WordPress theme to a patched version if available from AncoraThemes
If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or removing the DiveIt theme until a fix is released
Implement WAF rules to block requests containing directory traversal sequences
Review server logs for signs of exploitation attempts or successful compromise

Patch Information

Affected organizations should monitor the AncoraThemes official channels for security updates addressing this vulnerability. The vulnerability affects DiveIt theme versions through 1.4.3. Users should upgrade to a patched version as soon as one becomes available.

For the latest information on available patches, consult the Patchstack DiveIT Theme Vulnerability advisory.

Workarounds

Deploy ModSecurity or similar WAF with rules blocking path traversal attempts
Restrict PHP open_basedir directive to limit file access to the WordPress installation directory
Implement server-level access controls to protect sensitive configuration files
Consider using a security plugin that provides virtual patching capabilities for WordPress themes

bash

# Example Apache .htaccess rule to block path traversal attempts
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%5c) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%5c) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>