CVE-2025-27362
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the BZOTheme Petito theme, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All installations using Petito theme versions up to 1.6.2 are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- BZOTheme Petito WordPress Theme
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive file disclosure (including configuration files with database credentials), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive information disclosure through reading configuration files (wp-config.php), log files, or other sensitive system files, potentially leading to database access or further exploitation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and security controls, potentially only allowing reading of non-sensitive files or triggering PHP errors.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires no authentication and uses simple HTTP requests with path traversal or file inclusion parameters. Public proof-of-concept code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.6.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/bw-petito/vulnerability/wordpress-petito-1-6-2-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if Petito theme update is available. 4. Update to version 1.6.3 or later. 5. Alternatively, download updated theme from vendor and manually replace files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allTemporarily switch to default WordPress theme to remove vulnerability
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web application firewall rule
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal sequences in theme parameters
# Example mod_security rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path traversal attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove or disable the Petito theme completely and use a different theme
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 644 for PHP files, 755 for directories) and disable directory listing
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/petito/style.css or via WordPress admin panel > Appearance > ThemesCheck Version:
grep 'Version' wp-content/themes/petito/style.css | head -1Verify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is 1.6.3 or higher and test file inclusion attempts return errors instead of file contents📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ sequences in theme-related parameters
- PHP warnings about file inclusion failures
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php from web requests
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests with file inclusion parameters (e.g., ?file=../../../wp-config.php)
- Unusual file access patterns to non-theme directories
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*wp-config.php*") AND user_agent NOT IN ("bot", "scanner")