CVE-2025-53244
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through PHP's include/require statements in the Magazine Elite WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. All WordPress sites using Magazine Elite theme versions up to 1.2.4 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Magazine Elite 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
File read limited to web-accessible directories if proper file permissions are configured.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2.5 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Magazine Elite theme to version 1.2.5 or later via WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Click 'Update Now' on Magazine Elite theme. 4. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch is applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP file functions
linuxDisable dangerous PHP functions via php.ini
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 file permissions and implement strict directory traversal protections
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check theme version in WordPress admin under Appearance > Themes or run: wp theme list --field=name,version | grep magazine-eliteCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep magazine-eliteVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is 1.2.5 or higher and test file inclusion attempts return errors instead of file contents📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters like ?file=../../etc/passwd
- PHP warnings about failed file inclusions
Network Indicators:
- Unusual GET/POST requests with file path traversal patterns
- Requests to theme files with unexpected parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*magazine-elite*" AND (params="*file=*" OR params="*include=*" OR params="*require=*"))