CVE-2025-39463
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Dessau WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary local files, potentially leading to remote code execution. All WordPress sites using Dessau theme versions before 1.9 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Select-Themes Dessau 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 via remote code execution, data exfiltration, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials), limited code execution, and site defacement.
If Mitigated
Unauthorized file access prevented, but vulnerability remains present in codebase.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.9
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/dessau/vulnerability/wordpress-dessau-theme-1-9-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Update Dessau theme to version 1.9 or later. 4. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Dessau Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete dessau
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Local File Inclusion Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/dessau/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
wp theme list --name=dessau --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Dessau theme version is 1.9 or higher in WordPress admin > Appearance > Themes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ sequences in parameters
- PHP include/require errors in error logs
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd
Network Indicators:
- Unusual GET/POST requests with file path parameters
- Traffic spikes to theme-specific PHP files
SIEM Query:
source="web_server.logs" AND ("../" OR "..\" OR "/etc/" OR "/proc/") AND uri_path="*dessau*"