CVE-2025-49994
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP's include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the ovatheme Athens theme version 1.1.6 and earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- ovatheme Athens 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 system compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing reading of sensitive configuration files (wp-config.php, /etc/passwd) and potential information disclosure.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations restrict access to sensitive directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests with crafted parameters can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.1.7 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/athens/vulnerability/wordpress-athens-theme-1-1-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Athens theme to version 1.1.7 or later via WordPress admin panel. 2. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress theme repository. 3. Replace theme files manually if auto-update fails.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate athens
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxModify PHP configuration to prevent remote/local file inclusion
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 LFI patterns
- Restrict file system permissions and implement strict access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel for Athens theme version. If version <= 1.1.6, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=athens --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Athens theme version is 1.1.7 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in web server logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with ../ patterns
- Access to sensitive files from web directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters (file=, page=, include=)
- Traffic to theme PHP files with path traversal sequences
SIEM Query:
web.url:*athens* AND (web.uri:*../* OR web.uri:*php://* OR web.uri:*file=*)