CVE-2025-53198
📋 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 Houzez theme installations, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All Houzez theme users running versions up to 4.0.4 are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Houzez 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
Full server compromise through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive file disclosure (config files, passwords), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive information disclosure (database credentials, configuration files) and limited file system access through path traversal.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations prevent access to sensitive directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires knowledge of vulnerable endpoints but is straightforward once identified. Public proof-of-concept demonstrates file inclusion via crafted parameters.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.0.5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/houzez/vulnerability/wordpress-houzez-4-0-4-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Houzez theme update notification. 4. Click 'Update Now' for Houzez theme. 5. Verify theme version is 4.0.5 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable endpoints via .htaccess
linuxBlock access to known vulnerable PHP files using web server rewrite rules
RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^path/to/vulnerable-file\.php$ - [F,L]
Restrict PHP file inclusion
allModify php.ini to disable dangerous functions and restrict include paths
allow_url_include = Off
open_basedir = /var/www/html
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove or disable Houzez theme immediately and switch to a secure alternative
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns and path traversal attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/houzez/style.css or via WordPress admin panel under Appearance > ThemesCheck Version:
grep 'Version' /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/themes/houzez/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Houzez theme version is 4.0.5 or higher in WordPress admin or theme files📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs (../../etc/passwd)
- Multiple requests to theme PHP files with parameter manipulation
- HTTP 200 responses for sensitive file requests
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../) in parameters
- Requests to theme files with unusual file extensions in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri_path="*houzez*" AND (query="*../*" OR query="*php://*" OR query="*file=*"))