CVE-2025-69077: Hobo Theme Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69077 Overview

CVE-2025-69077 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the AncoraThemes Hobo 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 can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and potentially remote code execution if combined with other attack vectors.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files from the WordPress installation, including configuration files containing database credentials, potentially leading to complete site compromise.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes Hobo WordPress Theme versions through 1.0.10
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable Hobo theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE-2025-69077 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69077

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Hobo WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize user-controlled input before using it in PHP include or require statements. This allows attackers to manipulate file paths and include arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose critical configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, if attackers can upload files through other means (such as media uploads), LFI can be chained to achieve remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation in the AncoraThemes Hobo theme. The theme accepts user-supplied input that directly influences the file path used in PHP's include() or require() functions without proper sanitization. This allows path traversal sequences (such as ../) to be used, enabling attackers to break out of the intended directory and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves manipulating parameters that control which files are included by the theme. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to navigate the directory structure and include sensitive files. Common targets include:

• wp-config.php - Contains database credentials and security keys
• /etc/passwd - System user information
• .htaccess files - Server configuration
• Log files that may contain sensitive information or previously injected code

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

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69077

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting the Hobo theme endpoints
• Unusual access patterns to theme files with manipulated parameters
• Web server logs showing requests attempting to access system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts outside expected directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for path traversal attempts targeting WordPress theme directories
• Implement file integrity monitoring on sensitive WordPress configuration files
• Review web server access logs for suspicious requests containing encoded traversal sequences
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity Platform to detect and block exploitation attempts in real-time

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on WordPress and web server to capture detailed request information
• Configure alerts for access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php from web-accessible paths
• Implement network traffic analysis to identify LFI exploitation patterns
• Regularly audit installed themes and plugins for known vulnerabilities using security scanning tools

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69077

Immediate Actions Required

• Remove or deactivate the AncoraThemes Hobo theme immediately if running version 1.0.10 or earlier
• Review web server logs for signs of exploitation attempts
• Check for unauthorized access to sensitive files, particularly wp-config.php
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal attempts
• Consider rotating database credentials and WordPress security keys if compromise is suspected

Patch Information

At the time of publication, users should check with AncoraThemes for an updated version of the Hobo theme that addresses this vulnerability. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for updates on patch availability.

If no patch is available, consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme until the vulnerability is addressed.

Workarounds

• Implement strict WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences to the Hobo theme
• Restrict file permissions on sensitive WordPress files to prevent read access from the web server user
• Use PHP open_basedir configuration to limit which directories PHP can access
• Deploy virtual patching through security plugins or WAF solutions to block known LFI patterns

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

# PHP open_basedir restriction in php.ini or .user.ini
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/