CVE-2025-52815
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the CityGov WordPress theme. Attackers can read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. All WordPress sites using CityGov theme versions up to 1.9 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes CityGov 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 sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and security controls preventing file writes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires no authentication and uses simple HTTP requests with manipulated parameters.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.9
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/citygov/vulnerability/wordpress-citygov-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 if CityGov theme is active. 4. Update to latest version or replace with alternative theme. 5. Remove old theme files if not updating.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to immediately remove vulnerability
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete citygov
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests with suspicious file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path traversal attempt'"
WAF rule to block patterns like '?file=' or '?include='
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories) to limit readable files
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules and restrict access to admin interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/citygov/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep citygovVerify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is greater than 1.9 or theme is completely removed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with parameters containing '../' patterns
- Access to unexpected PHP files in theme directory
- Failed file inclusion attempts in PHP error logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests with file inclusion parameters (file=, include=, page=)
- Unusual file paths in URL parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*file=*" OR url="*include=*") AND user_agent!="*bot*"