CVE-2025-69167: Eros Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69167 Overview

CVE-2025-69167 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Eros WordPress theme, affecting versions 1.3 and earlier. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-98] (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). An unauthenticated remote attacker can manipulate file path parameters to cause the application to include arbitrary local files. Successful exploitation can result in sensitive file disclosure, source code exposure, and in some configurations, remote code execution through log poisoning or inclusion of attacker-controlled content.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated network attackers can read arbitrary local files and potentially achieve code execution by abusing PHP file inclusion in vulnerable Eros theme installations.

Affected Products

Eros WordPress Theme versions <= 1.3
WordPress sites running the Eros theme without the security patch
Hosting environments where the affected theme is active and reachable over the network

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-69167 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69167

Vulnerability Analysis

The Eros theme accepts user-supplied input that is passed to a PHP include, require, include_once, or require_once statement without sufficient validation or sanitization. Because the request does not require authentication, any unauthenticated visitor can supply a crafted parameter value. The PHP interpreter then resolves the path and includes the targeted file from the local filesystem. Files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, application logs, and other readable resources become disclosable through this channel. When attackers can write to a file that PHP later includes — for example, log files, session files, or uploaded content — the inclusion can escalate to arbitrary PHP code execution within the web server context.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper control of the filename argument used in a PHP file inclusion directive [CWE-98]. The theme does not enforce an allowlist of permitted templates, does not normalize path traversal sequences, and does not constrain inclusion to a designated directory. User input flows directly into the include path, allowing traversal beyond the intended scope.

Attack Vector

The attack is delivered over the network without authentication or user interaction. An attacker issues an HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint with a manipulated parameter pointing to a target file path. The exploitation complexity is elevated because specific request parameters and path encodings must align with the application logic. The Patchstack advisory documents the parameter names and endpoints affected; see the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the technical specifics required to reproduce the issue.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69167

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded null bytes targeting theme endpoints under /wp-content/themes/eros/
Web server access logs showing inclusion parameter values referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP wrappers like php://filter
Unexpected outbound activity or new PHP files appearing under the wp-content/uploads/ directory following suspicious requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress access logs for query strings containing file paths, traversal patterns, or PHP stream wrappers directed at the Eros theme
Deploy web application firewall rules that flag LFI signatures targeting WordPress theme parameters
Monitor PHP error logs for failed to open stream or include() warnings referencing unexpected file paths

Monitoring Recommendations

Continuously monitor file integrity on the WordPress installation, particularly wp-config.php and theme files
Alert on web server processes spawning shells or invoking interpreters following requests to theme endpoints
Aggregate WordPress, web server, and host telemetry into a centralized analytics platform to correlate inclusion attempts with downstream activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69167

Immediate Actions Required

Disable or remove the Eros theme on any WordPress site running version 1.3 or earlier until a patched release is verified installed
Rotate WordPress secrets, database credentials, and API keys stored in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected
Review web server and application logs for prior inclusion attempts dating back to theme installation

Patch Information

No fixed version is listed in the available advisory data. Site operators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the current patch status and apply any vendor-issued update as soon as it becomes available. Until a patched release is confirmed, treat the theme as vulnerable in all deployments.

Workarounds

Replace the Eros theme with an unaffected theme or switch to a default WordPress theme such as Twenty Twenty-Four
Deploy a WAF ruleset that blocks LFI patterns, path traversal sequences, and PHP stream wrappers in HTTP parameters
Set PHP open_basedir and allow_url_include=Off to constrain file inclusion to a restricted directory and disable remote wrappers
Restrict filesystem permissions so the web server user cannot read sensitive configuration files outside the WordPress root

bash

# Configuration example: harden php.ini against LFI exploitation
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen