CVE-2026-25379: StreamVid PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-25379 Overview

CVE-2026-25379 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the StreamVid WordPress theme developed by jwsthemes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability can lead to sensitive information disclosure, arbitrary code execution, and full system compromise.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability enables unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive files from the server, potentially including configuration files containing database credentials, or execute arbitrary PHP code through log poisoning or other LFI-to-RCE techniques.

Affected Products

• StreamVid WordPress Theme versions prior to 6.8.6
• WordPress installations using vulnerable StreamVid theme versions
• Web servers hosting affected StreamVid deployments

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-25 - CVE-2026-25379 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-25379

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The StreamVid theme contains code that accepts user-controlled input and passes it to PHP include or require functions without proper sanitization. This architectural flaw allows attackers to manipulate file paths and force the application to include unintended files from the local filesystem.

The network-accessible nature of this vulnerability means that remote attackers can exploit it without requiring any prior authentication. While the attack complexity is considered high due to potential defensive measures or exploitation prerequisites, successful attacks can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization within the StreamVid theme's PHP code. When user-supplied data is incorporated into file paths for PHP's include(), include_once(), require(), or require_once() functions without proper validation, attackers can use path traversal sequences (such as ../) to navigate the filesystem and include sensitive files outside the intended directory scope.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted over the network, typically through HTTP requests to the vulnerable WordPress installation. An attacker crafts malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to manipulate file inclusion paths. Common exploitation targets include:

• /etc/passwd - System user information disclosure
• wp-config.php - WordPress database credentials and authentication keys
• PHP session files - Session hijacking opportunities
• Log files - Potential for log poisoning and subsequent code execution

The vulnerability mechanism involves manipulating file path parameters in theme functionality. Attackers typically inject path traversal sequences such as ../../../ to navigate outside intended directories and access sensitive system files. For detailed technical analysis, see the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-25379

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting StreamVid theme endpoints
• Web server access logs showing attempts to access system files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts from non-standard directories
• Unexpected file access patterns in PHP include paths

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal sequences in request parameters
• Monitor web server logs for requests containing ../ patterns, null bytes (%00), or encoded traversal sequences
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Use SentinelOne Singularity to detect anomalous file access patterns and potential LFI exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for PHP include/require operations in development and staging environments
• Configure alerts for access attempts to sensitive system files from web application contexts
• Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that may indicate successful information exfiltration
• Track authentication failures and suspicious session activity following potential exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-25379

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the StreamVid theme to version 6.8.6 or later immediately
• Audit web server access logs for signs of prior exploitation attempts
• Review and rotate any potentially exposed credentials, especially WordPress database passwords and authentication keys
• Consider temporarily disabling the vulnerable theme until patching is complete

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in StreamVid theme version 6.8.6. Administrators should update through the WordPress admin panel or manually download the patched version from the theme vendor. After updating, verify the installation by checking the theme version in Appearance > Themes within the WordPress dashboard.

For detailed patch information, refer to the Patchstack vulnerability database entry.

Workarounds

• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns targeting theme files
• Restrict PHP's open_basedir directive to limit file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Use PHP's allow_url_include set to Off to prevent remote file inclusion escalation
• Consider using a security plugin to monitor and block suspicious file access attempts

# Apache .htaccess configuration to block path traversal attempts
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%252f) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%252f) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>

# PHP configuration hardening (php.ini)
open_basedir = /var/www/html/
allow_url_include = Off