CVE-2025-69068: Muji Theme LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69068 Overview

CVE-2025-69068 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the AncoraThemes Muji WordPress theme. 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. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program).

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation of this LFI vulnerability could allow attackers to read sensitive files from the server, potentially exposing configuration files containing database credentials, WordPress secret keys, and other sensitive information. In certain configurations, this could escalate to remote code execution.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes Muji WordPress Theme versions through 1.2.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2025-69068 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69068

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists in the Muji WordPress theme developed by AncoraThemes. The core issue involves improper sanitization of user-controlled input that is passed to PHP include or require functions. When file path parameters are not properly validated, attackers can manipulate these parameters to traverse directories and include files outside the intended scope.

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, if an attacker can combine this LFI with the ability to upload or control content in a file on the server (such as log files or session files), they may be able to achieve remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are subsequently used in PHP include or require statements. The Muji theme fails to properly restrict the file paths that can be included, allowing path traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory boundaries. This violates secure coding practices that require strict allowlisting of includable files or proper canonicalization and validation of file paths.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences in parameters that are processed by the vulnerable theme code. By manipulating file path parameters, an attacker could include sensitive local files such as /etc/passwd on Linux systems or the WordPress configuration file wp-config.php. The attack typically requires no authentication when the vulnerable functionality is exposed to unauthenticated users, though specific exploitation conditions depend on the theme's implementation.

The vulnerability mechanism involves user-controlled input being passed to PHP file inclusion functions without proper sanitization. When an attacker supplies a path containing directory traversal sequences, they can escape the intended directory and access files elsewhere on the system. For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69068

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../) targeting Muji theme endpoints
• Access log entries showing attempts to read system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php through theme parameters
• Unusual file access patterns in web server logs indicating directory traversal attempts
• Error logs showing failed file inclusion attempts with suspicious paths

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for path traversal patterns in requests to WordPress theme files
• Implement file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Deploy intrusion detection rules to identify LFI attack signatures targeting the Muji theme
• Review Apache/Nginx access logs for requests containing encoded traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f or %252e%252e%252f)

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on WordPress installations and monitor for theme-related file inclusion errors
• Configure security information and event management (SIEM) rules to alert on path traversal attempts
• Implement real-time monitoring of file access to sensitive WordPress files like wp-config.php

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69068

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Muji theme to a patched version if available from AncoraThemes
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Muji theme with a secure alternative
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal attempts
• Review server access logs for any evidence of prior exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Users should check with AncoraThemes for an updated version of the Muji theme that addresses this vulnerability. The vulnerability affects all versions through 1.2.0. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for updates on patch availability and additional mitigation guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar WAF solutions to filter path traversal patterns
• Restrict PHP file inclusion by configuring open_basedir in PHP settings to limit accessible directories
• Apply the principle of least privilege to WordPress file permissions, ensuring sensitive files are not readable by the web server user where possible
• Consider implementing a virtual patching solution through a WordPress security plugin until an official patch is released

# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini or .user.ini to restrict file access
open_basedir = /var/www/html:/tmp

# Apache ModSecurity rule to block path traversal
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains ../" "id:1001,phase:1,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt Blocked'"