CVE-2025-39470
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the Ivy School WordPress theme allows attackers to include local PHP files using '.../...//' sequences. It enables PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), potentially leading to remote code execution. All WordPress sites using Ivy School theme versions up to 1.6.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThimPress Ivy School 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 LFI leading to remote code execution, data exfiltration, and complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials), limited code execution via PHP wrappers, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Information disclosure limited to readable files, no code execution if PHP wrappers are disabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal payloads can be used. Exploitation requires knowledge of file paths but is straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.6.0
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/ivy-school/vulnerability/wordpress-ivy-school-1-6-0-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Ivy School theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.6.0. 3. Clear WordPress cache if applicable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Ivy School Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily until patched.
wp theme deactivate ivy-school
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock path traversal patterns in web requests.
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\.\/" "phase:2,deny,status:403,id:1001"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permission controls on web directories.
- Deploy a WAF with LFI protection rules.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or use: wp theme list --field=name,version | grep ivy-schoolCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version | grep ivy-schoolVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version >1.6.0 and test with path traversal payloads that should return 403/404.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '.../...//' patterns
- Access to unexpected PHP files via theme paths
- 403/404 errors on traversal attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file requests to theme directories
- Multiple failed LFI attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web.log" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*...//*")