CVE-2025-69339: Molla Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69339 Overview

CVE-2025-69339 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Molla WordPress theme developed by don-themes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), which describes conditions where PHP applications fail to properly validate user-controlled input before using it in file inclusion operations.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access WordPress credentials, or potentially achieve remote code execution if combined with file upload capabilities or log poisoning techniques.

Affected Products

• Molla WordPress Theme version 1.5.16 and earlier
• All versions from initial release through 1.5.16

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-05 - CVE-2025-69339 published to NVD
• 2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69339

Vulnerability Analysis

The Molla WordPress theme contains a Local File Inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate PHP include or require statements. When user-supplied input is passed to these functions without proper sanitization, attackers can traverse the directory structure and include arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly concerning because they can expose sensitive files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and other critical configuration data. Additionally, if an attacker can combine LFI with another vulnerability that allows file uploads or log manipulation, they may achieve remote code execution on the target server.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controlled parameters before they are used in PHP file inclusion functions (include, include_once, require, or require_once). The Molla theme fails to properly restrict the allowed file paths, enabling directory traversal sequences such as ../ to access files outside the intended directory.

Attack Vector

An attacker exploits this vulnerability by manipulating parameters that control which files are included by the PHP application. By injecting directory traversal sequences, the attacker can navigate up the directory tree and access sensitive files on the server.

The attack typically involves:

1. Identifying a vulnerable parameter that controls file inclusion in the Molla theme
2. Crafting a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../../../../etc/passwd or ../../../../wp-config.php)
3. Submitting the request to the WordPress site to retrieve the contents of sensitive files
4. Using obtained information for further attacks, such as database access or privilege escalation

For detailed technical analysis of this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69339

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or ..%5c targeting Molla theme endpoints
• Access log entries showing attempts to include system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Unusual file access patterns in PHP error logs referencing files outside the theme directory
• Suspicious GET or POST parameters containing path manipulation characters

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in request parameters
• Monitor access logs for requests containing ../ sequences or encoded variants targeting theme files
• Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on LFI attack signatures targeting WordPress installations

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed WordPress debug logging to capture file inclusion attempts
• Monitor web server access logs for abnormal patterns in requests to the Molla theme directory
• Implement real-time alerting for any access attempts to wp-config.php from web requests
• Review PHP error logs regularly for failed file inclusion attempts that may indicate reconnaissance activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69339

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Molla WordPress theme to the latest patched version as soon as one becomes available
• Implement WAF rules to block directory traversal patterns in requests to the WordPress installation
• Review and restrict file permissions on sensitive WordPress configuration files
• Consider temporarily disabling the Molla theme if a patch is not yet available and the site is at risk

Patch Information

Organizations using the Molla WordPress theme should check with don-themes or the Patchstack advisory for updates regarding a security patch for versions beyond 1.5.16. Monitor the WordPress theme repository and vendor communications for patch availability.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to block path traversal attempts and PHP file inclusion patterns
• Implement server-level input filtering to strip or reject requests containing ../ sequences
• Use open_basedir PHP configuration directive to restrict which directories PHP can access
• Move sensitive configuration files outside the web root where possible and adjust WordPress accordingly

# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini or .htaccess to restrict PHP file access

# Restrict PHP to specific directories
open_basedir = /var/www/html:/tmp

# Disable dangerous PHP functions
disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen

# Log all PHP errors for monitoring
log_errors = On
error_log = /var/log/php/error.log