CVE-2025-69071: TanTum WordPress Theme LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69071 Overview

CVE-2025-69071 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the AncoraThemes TanTum 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 filesystem. This type of vulnerability can lead to sensitive information disclosure, and in certain configurations, may escalate to remote code execution.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive server files, potentially exposing configuration data, credentials, and other critical information stored on the WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes TanTum WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.1.13

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2025-69071 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69071

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The TanTum WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP file inclusion functions such as include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once().

When user-controlled data is passed directly to these functions without adequate filtering, an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter to traverse the directory structure and include arbitrary files from the local filesystem. This can result in disclosure of sensitive configuration files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or other files containing credentials and system information.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the TanTum theme's PHP code. The theme accepts user-supplied input for file paths without properly sanitizing path traversal sequences (such as ../) or validating that the requested file is within an expected directory. This allows attackers to escape the intended directory context and access files elsewhere on the server.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this LFI vulnerability typically involves manipulating HTTP request parameters that control which template or file component is loaded by the theme. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences to navigate outside the intended file path and include sensitive system files.

For example, if the theme uses a parameter to dynamically include template files, an attacker could modify this parameter to include path traversal sequences like ../../../../etc/passwd or ../../../../wp-config.php to access sensitive files.

The exploitation does not require authentication in many cases, as theme files may be accessible to unauthenticated users depending on the WordPress configuration and the specific vulnerable endpoint. Additional technical details can be found in the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69071

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or ..%5c targeting TanTum theme files
• Web server logs showing access attempts to sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or .htaccess through theme endpoints
• Unexpected file read operations originating from PHP processes associated with the TanTum theme
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts or PHP warnings related to file operations

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing directory traversal sequences
• Monitor web server access logs for suspicious patterns targeting the TanTum theme directory structure
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files to detect unauthorized access
• Use intrusion detection systems with signatures for common LFI attack patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed PHP error logging and monitor for file inclusion warnings or errors
• Set up alerts for any HTTP requests containing encoded path traversal sequences targeting WordPress themes
• Implement real-time log analysis to correlate multiple LFI probe attempts from the same source
• Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that could indicate successful file exfiltration

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69071

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the TanTum WordPress theme to a patched version if one is available from AncoraThemes
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the TanTum theme and switching to a secure alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting your WordPress installation
• Review web server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Restrict file system permissions to limit what PHP can read

Patch Information

At the time of publication, users should check with AncoraThemes for an updated version of the TanTum theme that addresses this vulnerability. Monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updates on patch availability. If using version 1.1.13 or earlier, the installation is vulnerable.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to filter path traversal sequences in all HTTP parameters
• Implement PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file system access to the WordPress directory
• Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to add additional protection layers
• Restrict direct access to theme PHP files through .htaccess rules where possible
• Consider implementing virtual patching through your WAF until an official patch is released

# Example .htaccess configuration to restrict direct PHP file access in themes
<FilesMatch "\.php$">
    <If "%{REQUEST_URI} =~ m#/wp-content/themes/tantum/.*\.php#">
        Require all denied
    </If>
</FilesMatch>

# PHP open_basedir configuration example (php.ini or .user.ini)
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/