CVE-2025-52768
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through PHP's include/require statements in the Faith & Hope WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this theme are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Faith & Hope 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
No impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations prevent unauthorized file access.
🎯 Exploit Status
PHP local file inclusion vulnerabilities are commonly exploited with simple HTTP requests.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.13.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/faith-hope/vulnerability/wordpress-faith-hope-theme-2-13-0-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Update Faith & Hope theme to version 2.13.1 or later. 4. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch is applied
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxConfigure PHP to disable allow_url_include and restrict open_basedir
php.ini: allow_url_include = Off
php.ini: open_basedir = /var/www/html
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file system permissions and implement least privilege access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Faith & Hope theme version 2.13.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep 'faith-hope'Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is 2.13.1 or later in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with path traversal parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' or file inclusion patterns in query strings
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*wp-content/themes/faith-hope/*" AND (query="*../*" OR query="*php://*"))