CVE-2025-4524
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on WordPress servers running the Madara theme. Attackers can achieve remote code execution by exploiting a Local File Inclusion flaw in the 'template' parameter. All WordPress sites using Madara theme versions up to 2.2.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Madara 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
Complete server compromise leading to data theft, malware deployment, ransomware attacks, and persistent backdoor access.
Likely Case
Website defacement, credential theft, data exfiltration, and installation of cryptocurrency miners or botnet clients.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file uploads are restricted and web server runs with minimal privileges, though information disclosure may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP request manipulation required. Exploitation is straightforward once the vulnerability is understood.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.2.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://mangabooth.com/product/wp-manga-theme-madara/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Madara theme updates. 4. Update to version 2.2.3 or later. 5. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock requests containing suspicious template parameter values
WAF rule: Block requests where 'template' parameter contains '../' or absolute paths
Disable Theme
linuxSwitch to default WordPress theme until patched
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate madara
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file upload restrictions and disable PHP execution in upload directories
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules and monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or via wp theme list commandCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep madaraVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Madara theme version is 2.2.3 or higher and test template parameter with known safe values📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with 'template' parameter containing '../', '..\', or absolute paths
- Unusual file access patterns in web server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET/POST requests to theme files with manipulated template parameters
- Unexpected file inclusion attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (template="*../*" OR template="*..\\*" OR template="/*")