CVE-2025-69160 Overview
CVE-2025-69160 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Gita WordPress theme in versions up to and including 1.11. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-98], improper control of filename for include/require statement in a PHP program. An unauthenticated remote attacker can manipulate file path parameters to force the theme to include arbitrary local files on the server. Successful exploitation can disclose sensitive configuration data, source code, and credentials, and may lead to remote code execution when combined with file upload or log poisoning techniques.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can read arbitrary files and potentially execute PHP code through file inclusion abuse on vulnerable WordPress installations running the Gita theme.
Affected Products
- Gita WordPress theme versions <= 1.11
- WordPress sites with the Gita theme active
- Hosting environments serving the vulnerable theme files
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-69160 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69160
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Gita theme's handling of file path parameters passed to PHP include or require statements. The theme accepts user-controlled input and passes it into a file inclusion routine without sufficient validation or path normalization. Because authentication is not required, any remote visitor can reach the vulnerable code path over HTTP. The Patchstack advisory classifies the issue as a Local File Inclusion affecting all versions up to 1.11. According to the published metrics, the attack requires no privileges and no user interaction, though exploitation complexity is rated high due to the conditions required for reliable inclusion.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of filename input used in a PHP include/require statement [CWE-98]. The theme does not enforce an allowlist of permitted files, does not canonicalize the path, and does not restrict inclusion to a specific directory. Traversal sequences such as ../ and absolute paths are processed by the underlying filesystem call, allowing the include target to escape the intended theme directory.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a Gita theme endpoint that accepts a file path parameter. By supplying a traversal payload, the attacker forces PHP to include files outside the theme directory, such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or session and log files. When attackers can plant PHP content inside a readable file, for example through log poisoning or uploaded media, the LFI can escalate to remote code execution under the WordPress process account.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this CVE. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69160
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Gita theme PHP files containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or null byte variants
- Web server access logs showing query parameters referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or /proc/self/environ
- PHP error log entries referencing failed include or require calls originating from theme files
- Unexpected outbound connections from the WordPress PHP worker following suspicious inbound requests
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web access logs for requests targeting Gita theme paths combined with traversal patterns or file scheme arguments
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks LFI signatures against WordPress theme endpoints
- Compare installed theme version against 1.11 and flag any installation at or below this version as vulnerable
- Hash-monitor the Gita theme directory to detect attacker-dropped files used for log poisoning
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress, Apache, and Nginx logs to a centralized SIEM and apply LFI detection rules
- Alert on PHP process spawning shell utilities such as sh, bash, or curl after web requests
- Track repeated 200-status responses to abnormally long query strings against theme files
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69160
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or remove the Gita theme on any WordPress site running version 1.11 or earlier until a patched release is confirmed
- Switch active sites to a maintained theme and purge cached pages that may reference vulnerable endpoints
- Audit wp-config.php, database credentials, and API keys for exposure and rotate any secrets stored on affected hosts
- Review web server access logs for prior exploitation attempts and validate file integrity within the WordPress install
Patch Information
No vendor patch is referenced in the available CVE data at time of publication. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for fixed version availability and apply the update as soon as it is released.
Workarounds
- Block requests to vulnerable Gita theme endpoints at the web application firewall or reverse proxy
- Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress document root and required system paths
- Set allow_url_include=Off and allow_url_fopen=Off in php.ini to reduce inclusion abuse paths
- Apply least-privilege filesystem permissions so the PHP worker cannot read sensitive files outside the web root
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
