CVE-2025-49257
📋 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 Zota theme users running versions up to 1.3.8, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Zota 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 data exposure, and complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials, source code) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, disabled dangerous PHP functions, and restricted web server access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires knowledge of vulnerable endpoints but is straightforward once identified. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.9 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/zota/vulnerability/wordpress-zota-1-3-8-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Zota theme update notification. 4. Update to version 1.3.9 or later. 5. Clear cache if using caching plugins.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Zota Theme
allTemporarily switch to default WordPress theme until patch can be applied
Restrict PHP File Functions
linuxDisable dangerous PHP functions via php.ini configuration
disable_functions = include,require,include_once,require_once
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict web server permissions to prevent access to sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Zota theme version. If version is 1.3.8 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version --format=csv | grep -i zotaVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Zota theme version is 1.3.9 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with path traversal parameters
- Errors containing include/require failures with user-supplied paths
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing ../ patterns or absolute paths in theme-related parameters
- Unusual file extensions requested from theme directories
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="*zota*" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*/etc/*" OR uri="*/proc/*"))