CVE-2025-69146 Overview
CVE-2025-69146 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Dom WordPress theme in versions 1.24 and earlier. The flaw is classified under [CWE-98] (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). Remote attackers can exploit the issue over the network without authentication or user interaction. Successful exploitation enables attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, credentials, and source code. In certain configurations, LFI flaws can be chained with log poisoning or file upload weaknesses to achieve remote code execution.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local files through the Dom WordPress theme, exposing sensitive server contents and enabling potential remote code execution paths.
Affected Products
- Dom WordPress theme version 1.24
- Dom WordPress theme versions prior to 1.24
- WordPress sites with the Dom theme installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-69146 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69146
Vulnerability Analysis
The Dom WordPress theme passes attacker-controlled input into a PHP include or require statement without proper sanitization or allowlisting. This places the vulnerability within [CWE-98], where filename control directly influences which file PHP loads at runtime. Because the affected code path is reachable before any authentication check, any anonymous visitor can trigger it remotely. Exploitation requires only crafted HTTP requests against the vulnerable endpoint exposed by the theme. The flaw impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress host.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation on a parameter used to construct a file path. The theme accepts a user-supplied value and concatenates it into a PHP file inclusion function without restricting the path to a fixed directory or extension. Path traversal sequences such as ../ allow attackers to escape the intended directory. Missing allowlist validation and missing sanitization of null bytes or directory separators are the underlying coding defects.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends an HTTP request to a vulnerable theme endpoint with a manipulated file parameter. The payload uses traversal sequences to reference sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files. The web server processes the include, returning file contents or executing PHP if the included file contains attacker-controlled content. The Patchstack advisory notes the vulnerability is exploitable without authentication. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for technical details.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Exploitation typically follows the standard LFI pattern of supplying traversal sequences in a vulnerable query parameter to read or execute server-side files.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69146
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Dom theme endpoints containing path traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded null bytes (%00)
- Web server access logs showing requests referencing sensitive paths like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or /proc/self/environ
- PHP error logs reporting failed include or require operations originating from theme files
- Unexpected outbound traffic or new PHP files appearing within the WordPress installation directory
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web access logs for parameters containing directory traversal sequences targeting Dom theme URLs
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that detect LFI payloads and block requests referencing system files
- Monitor PHP include and require calls with file integrity monitoring on the WordPress installation
- Correlate authentication-free requests with subsequent suspicious file reads or PHP execution events
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose PHP error logging and alert on file inclusion failures originating from the theme directory
- Track outbound network connections from the web server process to identify post-exploitation activity
- Baseline normal request patterns to Dom theme endpoints and alert on parameter values containing path characters
- Review WordPress activity logs for unexpected administrative actions following anomalous theme requests
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69146
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Dom theme version 1.24 or earlier and deactivate the theme until a patched release is available
- Apply WAF rules that block path traversal sequences and LFI payloads targeting WordPress theme endpoints
- Rotate credentials and secrets stored in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected
- Audit web server and PHP logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no fixed version has been confirmed in the available references. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report and the theme vendor for an updated release addressing CVE-2025-69146.
Workarounds
- Replace the Dom theme with an alternative supported theme until a patched version is released
- Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress directory only
- Set allow_url_include to Off in php.ini to prevent remote file inclusion escalation
- Restrict access to the WordPress site at the network or reverse proxy layer while remediation is pending
# Configuration example - php.ini hardening
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
