CVE-2025-53248
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Unfoldwp Magazine WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary local files through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All WordPress sites using the Magazine theme version 1.2.2 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Unfoldwp Magazine 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
Full server compromise through inclusion of malicious PHP files, leading to remote code execution, data theft, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, etc.) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if file inclusion is restricted to non-sensitive directories and proper file permissions are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details are available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2.3 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if Magazine theme update is available. 4. Update to version 1.2.3 or later. 5. Alternatively, download updated theme from WordPress repository and replace files manually.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch can be applied
Restrict PHP file operations
linuxConfigure PHP to restrict file inclusion operations via open_basedir directive
open_basedir = /var/www/html/:/tmp/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict web server permissions to prevent reading sensitive system files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or examine theme's style.css file for version numberCheck Version:
grep 'Version' /path/to/wp-content/themes/magazine/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is 1.2.3 or later and test file inclusion attempts return errors instead of file contents📡 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 '../' patterns or absolute file paths in theme-related URLs
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (url="*magazine*" AND (url="*../*" OR url="*/etc/*" OR url="*/proc/*"))