CVE-2025-69114 Overview
CVE-2025-69114 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the MaxiNet WordPress theme in versions 1.2.10 and earlier. The flaw is classified under [CWE-98] (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). Remote attackers can manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files through the theme's PHP include logic. Successful exploitation can disclose sensitive files such as wp-config.php and may lead to remote code execution when attackers can plant PHP content in includable locations.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local files on the host, exposing WordPress configuration secrets, database credentials, and potentially achieving code execution.
Affected Products
- MaxiNet WordPress theme versions <= 1.2.10
- WordPress sites using the vulnerable MaxiNet theme
- Hosting environments running the affected theme without virtual patching
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-69114 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69114
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the MaxiNet WordPress theme's handling of file paths passed to PHP include or require statements. The theme accepts user-controlled input and uses it to construct a file path without enforcing an allowlist or sanitizing path traversal sequences. Because no authentication is required, any unauthenticated remote user can submit crafted requests that cause the theme to load arbitrary files from the local file system. The Patchstack advisory categorizes the issue as a PHP Remote File Inclusion class weakness ([CWE-98]).
The consequences extend beyond simple file disclosure. Reading wp-config.php exposes database credentials, authentication keys, and salts. Attackers who can write PHP content to a known local path, such as uploads or log files, can pivot from LFI to code execution by including the planted file.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of input used in a PHP include statement. The theme does not validate that requested resources fall within an expected directory and does not strip traversal sequences such as ../. This allows attackers to escape the intended include directory and reference any file readable by the web server process.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based. An attacker sends an HTTP request to a vulnerable MaxiNet endpoint, supplying a manipulated parameter that resolves to a sensitive file path on disk. No credentials or user interaction are required. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
No public proof-of-concept code is referenced in the available data, so the exploitation pattern is described in prose only.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69114
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to MaxiNet theme files containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or URL-encoded variants (%2e%2e%2f)
- Web server access logs showing parameters referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
- Unexpected reads of WordPress core or configuration files by the PHP-FPM or web server user
- Outbound connections initiated by php processes immediately after suspicious theme requests
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for requests targeting MaxiNet theme PHP files with file or path parameters
- Deploy web application firewall rules that block traversal patterns against /wp-content/themes/maxinet/ paths
- Monitor file integrity on wp-config.php and uploads directories for anomalous access or write events
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress, PHP, and web server logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation
- Alert on PHP include/require errors that reference unexpected absolute paths
- Baseline normal request parameters to MaxiNet endpoints and flag deviations
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69114
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify any WordPress installations running the MaxiNet theme at version 1.2.10 or earlier
- Disable or replace the MaxiNet theme until a vendor-supplied fixed version is confirmed
- Rotate WordPress database credentials, authentication keys, and salts in wp-config.php if exposure is suspected
- Review web server and PHP logs for prior exploitation attempts referencing traversal patterns
Patch Information
The available CVE data does not list a confirmed fixed version. Administrators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for upgrade guidance and verify with the theme author before deploying any update.
Workarounds
- Apply WAF or reverse-proxy rules that reject requests containing ../, encoded traversal sequences, or absolute paths in query parameters
- Restrict the PHP open_basedir directive to the WordPress document root to limit file inclusion scope
- Set the web server user's file permissions so it cannot read sensitive system files outside the WordPress directory
- Remove the MaxiNet theme directory from disk if the theme is not actively used
# Example php.ini hardening to constrain include scope
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
