CVE-2025-69175 Overview
CVE-2025-69175 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Line Agency WordPress theme in versions up to and including 1.3.1. The flaw maps to [CWE-98], improper control of filename for include/require statement in a PHP program. Remote attackers can include arbitrary local files through unsanitized input passed to PHP include or require functions. Successful exploitation can disclose sensitive files, expose configuration data, and in some PHP environments lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability requires no authentication and no user interaction, although the CVSS vector indicates high attack complexity.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can read arbitrary files from the WordPress server and potentially execute code through PHP file inclusion abuse.
Affected Products
- Line Agency WordPress theme versions <= 1.3.1
- WordPress sites using the vulnerable theme on PHP-based hosting
- Sites without web application firewall protections on theme parameters
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-17 - CVE-2025-69175 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69175
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from the Line Agency theme accepting user-controlled input and passing it into a PHP include or require statement without proper validation. This pattern, classified as [CWE-98], allows an attacker to supply a path that resolves to a file outside the intended directory. The theme fails to enforce an allowlist of permitted templates or sanitize traversal sequences such as ../.
Attackers can request arbitrary .php files on the local filesystem. The included file is executed in the WordPress process context, meaning configuration files like wp-config.php can expose database credentials and authentication keys. Where PHP is configured with permissive allow_url_include or where attackers can poison local files such as session stores or log files, the LFI can escalate to remote code execution.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of input validation and path normalization before the theme dynamically includes a PHP file. Trusted include paths should be bound to a fixed allowlist, but the theme accepts attacker-supplied values directly.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and unauthenticated. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable theme endpoint with a parameter referencing the target file path. The high attack complexity reflects environmental conditions such as PHP configuration and filesystem layout needed for reliable exploitation. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
// No verified public exploit code is available.
// The vulnerability involves unsanitized input flowing into a PHP include/require statement within the Line Agency theme.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69175
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Line Agency theme paths containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or URL-encoded variants %2e%2e%2f
- Requests referencing sensitive files including wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
- Unexpected outbound connections or new PHP files written to the WordPress installation following suspicious theme requests
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for theme query parameters containing absolute paths, null bytes, or traversal sequences
- Apply WAF signatures targeting LFI patterns on WordPress theme endpoints
- Hunt for PHP errors referencing include() or require() failures involving non-template files in theme directories
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor file integrity for the WordPress installation, particularly wp-config.php and theme directories
- Alert on PHP processes spawning shell utilities such as sh, bash, or curl from the web server user
- Track outbound network traffic from the web host for callbacks following suspicious theme requests
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69175
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or remove the Line Agency theme until a patched release is confirmed by the vendor
- Rotate WordPress secrets and database credentials if the site processed untrusted requests while the theme was active
- Restrict access to the WordPress site through a WAF rule blocking traversal patterns and absolute paths in query parameters
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no fixed version beyond 1.3.1 is referenced in the advisory. Site operators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for vendor updates and replace the theme with a maintained alternative if a patch is unavailable.
Workarounds
- Set PHP open_basedir to restrict file access to the WordPress document root and prevent inclusion of system files
- Ensure allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen are set to Off in php.ini to limit escalation paths
- Deploy a WAF or virtual patching rule that blocks requests containing path traversal sequences to theme endpoints
# php.ini hardening example
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
