CVE-2025-69078: Malta Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69078 Overview

CVE-2025-69078 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the AncoraThemes Malta WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server. This flaw can potentially lead to sensitive information disclosure, execution of malicious code, or complete server compromise depending on the server configuration and accessible files.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive files such as configuration files containing database credentials, include PHP files to achieve code execution, or access other sensitive data stored on the web server.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes Malta WordPress Theme version 1.3.3 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the Malta theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE-2025-69078 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69078

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Malta WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before using it in PHP file inclusion operations. When a PHP application uses functions like include(), include_once(), require(), or require_once() with unsanitized user input, attackers can manipulate the filename parameter to include unintended files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can expose the wp-config.php file containing database credentials, allow reading of system files like /etc/passwd, and potentially enable remote code execution through log poisoning or other file inclusion techniques.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the Malta theme's PHP code. The theme accepts user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths for PHP include or require statements without properly validating or restricting the input to expected values. This allows attackers to use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute paths to include arbitrary files outside the intended directory scope.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves manipulating HTTP request parameters that are processed by the vulnerable theme component. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to navigate the filesystem and include sensitive files. For example, an attacker might attempt to include the WordPress configuration file or system files by injecting paths like ../../wp-config.php or /etc/passwd into the vulnerable parameter.

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through network requests to the affected WordPress installation. Successful exploitation depends on the attacker's ability to identify the vulnerable parameter and the file permissions on the target system.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69078

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting the Malta theme
• Web server access logs showing requests with suspicious file paths like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or .htaccess
• Unexpected file access patterns in PHP error logs indicating failed include attempts
• Evidence of sensitive configuration files being accessed or exfiltrated

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for Local File Inclusion attack signatures and directory traversal patterns
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on requests containing path traversal sequences targeting WordPress theme directories
• Review Apache/Nginx access logs for requests containing encoded path traversal characters

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for PHP file operations and monitor for unexpected include/require attempts
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php from non-standard paths
• Monitor WordPress theme file access patterns for anomalous behavior
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect and respond to exploitation attempts quickly

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69078

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the AncoraThemes Malta theme to the latest patched version as soon as one becomes available
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Malta theme and switching to a secure alternative
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block Local File Inclusion attack patterns
• Restrict PHP file access permissions to limit the impact of potential exploitation

Patch Information

Users should monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for updates on patch availability from AncoraThemes. Contact the theme vendor directly for information on remediation timelines and updated theme versions that address this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall configured to block path traversal and Local File Inclusion attack patterns
• If using Apache, implement mod_security rules to filter malicious requests targeting the theme
• Consider using PHP open_basedir directive to restrict file inclusion to specific directories
• Implement strict input validation at the server level to reject requests containing suspicious path characters
• Temporarily replace the vulnerable theme functionality with a secure alternative until a patch is released

# Apache mod_security rule example to block LFI attempts
# Add to .htaccess or Apache configuration
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|REQUEST_BODY "@rx (?:\.{2}[\/\\\\]|\/etc\/|wp-config\.php)" \
    "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Potential LFI Attack Detected'"