CVE-2025-49359
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through PHP's include/require statements in the ShieldGroup WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. All WordPress sites using ShieldGroup theme version 2.13 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes ShieldGroup 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
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
File read attempts blocked, no code execution possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 2.13
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/shieldgroup/vulnerability/wordpress-shieldgroup-theme-2-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update ShieldGroup theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is greater than 2.13. 3. Clear WordPress cache if applicable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict file inclusion
linuxAdd PHP configuration to disable dangerous functions
php_admin_value allow_url_include Off
php_admin_value allow_url_fopen Off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file system permissions and implement strict file access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for ShieldGroup version <= 2.13Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep shieldgroupVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is >2.13 and test file inclusion attempts fail📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual include/require statements in PHP logs
- HTTP requests with file path parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing 'include', 'require', or file path patterns
SIEM Query:
http.url:*include* OR http.url:*require* OR http.url:*..*