CVE-2025-49942
📋 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 sites using the Gardis theme from AncoraThemes. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code depending on server configuration.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Gardis 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
Local file inclusion allowing reading of sensitive files like configuration files, logs, or source code.
If Mitigated
Limited file disclosure if proper file permissions and security controls restrict accessible directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple file inclusion vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.2.13
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/gardis/vulnerability/wordpress-gardis-theme-1-2-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if Gardis theme update is available. 4. Update to latest version. 5. Alternatively, replace with patched version from official source.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete gardis
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxConfigure PHP 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 to limit accessible directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or use: wp theme list --field=name,version | grep gardisCheck Version:
wp theme get gardis --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Gardis theme version is greater than 1.2.13 using: wp theme get gardis --field=version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with path traversal patterns
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' or similar path traversal sequences
- Requests to theme PHP files with file parameter
SIEM Query:
source="web_access" AND (url="*gardis*" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*file=*"))