CVE-2025-28944
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP's include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Avaz theme from version unknown through 2.8, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Avaz 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, data theft, and complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, web server sandboxing, and security modules like mod_security.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 2.8
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/snsavaz/vulnerability/wordpress-avaz-2-8-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Avaz theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. If update unavailable, remove theme entirely. 3. Verify theme files are properly sanitized.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme or another secure theme
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete avaz
Web application firewall rules
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal sequences
# Add to .htaccess:
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\)
RewriteRule ^.*$ - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (webroot files 644, directories 755, sensitive files outside webroot)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Avaz theme version ≤2.8Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep -i avazVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Avaz theme version >2.8 or theme removed. Test with controlled LFI payloads.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ sequences in parameters
- Access to unusual PHP files via include statements
- Failed attempts to access sensitive paths
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in GET/POST parameters
- Requests to theme files with traversal payloads
SIEM Query:
web.url:*../* AND (web.url:*wp-content/themes/avaz* OR web.url:*?file=*)