CVE-2025-69136 Overview
CVE-2025-69136 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Wanium WordPress theme in versions 1.9.8 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 inclusion parameters without authentication to load arbitrary files from the underlying server. Successful exploitation may expose sensitive configuration data, including database credentials stored in wp-config.php, and can lead to remote code execution when combined with other primitives such as log poisoning or session file inclusion.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can read arbitrary local files on WordPress sites running the Wanium theme, potentially exposing credentials and enabling follow-on remote code execution.
Affected Products
- Wanium WordPress theme versions <= 1.9.8
- WordPress installations using the Wanium theme
- Any web server hosting vulnerable Wanium theme files
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-69136 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69136
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper control of a filename used in a PHP include or require statement within the Wanium theme. The theme accepts user-controlled input and passes it directly to a file inclusion function without sufficient sanitization or allow-list validation. Attackers can supply path traversal sequences or absolute paths to load files outside the intended directory.
Because the entry point requires no authentication, any remote actor reachable over the network can trigger inclusion. The advisory from Patchstack confirms the issue exists through the latest 1.9.8 release. The high attack complexity reflected in the CVSS vector suggests specific conditions or payload crafting are required, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high once exploited.
Root Cause
The root cause is a [CWE-98] PHP File Inclusion weakness. User-supplied input flows into a dynamic file inclusion sink without normalization, extension enforcement, or restriction to a permitted directory. PHP then resolves the path and executes any included file as PHP code, which is the standard exploitation primitive for this class.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and unauthenticated. An attacker issues a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable Wanium endpoint, supplying a parameter that controls the included file path. By chaining path traversal sequences such as ../../../../, the attacker reads sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php. Refer to the Patchstack Wanium Theme Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.
No public proof-of-concept code or exploit modules are listed in the available references at this time.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69136
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests targeting Wanium theme PHP files with parameters containing ../ path traversal sequences or absolute paths like /etc/passwd.
- Web server access logs showing successful (HTTP 200) responses to requests with file inclusion patterns referencing wp-config.php or system files.
- Unusual outbound activity or new PHP files written under wp-content/themes/wanium/ following suspicious inclusion requests.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for query strings referencing file=, page=, or similar parameters combined with traversal sequences or php:// wrappers.
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag LFI payload signatures targeting WordPress theme endpoints.
- Correlate file read events on sensitive files such as wp-config.php with originating HTTP requests to identify exploitation attempts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable PHP open_basedir logging and monitor for blocked or anomalous include attempts originating from the Wanium theme directory.
- Forward web server and PHP-FPM logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation across hosts.
- Alert on first-time access to administrative or configuration files by the web server process when traffic originates externally.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69136
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or remove the Wanium theme on all WordPress sites until a patched release is published and verified.
- Rotate any secrets that may have been exposed, including database credentials, AUTH_KEY values, and API tokens stored in wp-config.php.
- Review web server logs for the past 30+ days to identify prior exploitation attempts and scope any compromise.
Patch Information
No fixed version is identified in the available references. Monitor the Patchstack Wanium Theme Vulnerability advisory for an updated release beyond version 1.9.8 and apply it as soon as it becomes available.
Workarounds
- Switch to an alternative WordPress theme that is actively maintained and free of known LFI vulnerabilities.
- Configure a WAF (such as ModSecurity with the OWASP Core Rule Set) to block requests containing ../ traversal sequences and PHP wrapper schemes.
- Harden PHP using open_basedir and disable_functions to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory.
- Restrict access to the Wanium theme directory at the web server level until the theme is removed or updated.
# Example ModSecurity rule to block LFI attempts targeting Wanium theme
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@rx wp-content/themes/wanium/" \
"chain,phase:2,deny,status:403,id:1006901,msg:'Wanium LFI attempt CVE-2025-69136'"
SecRule ARGS "@rx (\.\./|\.\.\\\\|/etc/passwd|wp-config\.php|php://)" "t:none,t:urlDecodeUni"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
