CVE-2025-52723
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Networker WordPress theme that allows attackers to include arbitrary local files through improper filename control. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files, execute code, or escalate privileges. All WordPress sites using Networker theme versions up to 1.2.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Networker 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 exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials), limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file permissions and web server hardening are in place, though information disclosure may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.2.0
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/networker/vulnerability/wordpress-networker-1-2-0-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Networker theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is greater than 1.2.0. 3. Clear WordPress cache if applicable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Networker Theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to remove vulnerable component
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete networker
Restrict PHP File Functions
linuxModify php.ini to disable dangerous functions
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 reading sensitive files outside web root
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or run: wp theme list --field=name,version | grep networkerCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version | grep -i networkerVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Networker theme version is greater than 1.2.0 and test file inclusion attempts return errors📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- Multiple requests with ../ patterns
- Requests to theme files with parameter manipulation
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file inclusion patterns (../, /etc/passwd, wp-config.php)
- Abnormal requests to theme PHP files
SIEM Query:
web.url:*networker* AND (web.uri:*../* OR web.uri:*wp-config* OR web.uri:*etc/passwd*)