CVE-2025-49371
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on servers running the Strux WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute PHP code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. All WordPress sites using Strux theme version 1.9 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Strux 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 through remote code execution, allowing data theft, malware installation, or complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) leading to further attacks or data breaches.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and web server hardening, potentially only allowing file reads within web root.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests with crafted parameters can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.9 (check for updates)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/strux/vulnerability/wordpress-strux-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. Check for Strux theme updates. 4. If update available, click Update Now. 5. If no update available, consider switching to a different theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Strux Theme
linuxTemporarily disable the vulnerable theme until patched
wp theme deactivate strux
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock requests with suspicious file inclusion patterns
# Add to .htaccess for Apache:
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (.*\.\./|.*\.php) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 644 for files, 755 for directories) to limit readable files
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules and monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Strux theme version. If version is 1.9 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=strux --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Strux theme version is greater than 1.9. Test with safe LFI payloads to confirm patching.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns in query strings
- PHP include/require errors in web server logs
- Access to unusual files like /etc/passwd in web logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests with file path traversal in parameters
- Unusual file extensions in URLs (.php, .inc, .txt)
SIEM Query:
source="web_server.log" AND ("../" OR "..\" OR "/etc/" OR "/proc/") AND status=200