CVE-2025-53252
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the Zegen WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code on affected systems. All WordPress sites using Zegen theme versions up to and including 1.1.9 are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- zozothemes Zegen 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 leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete site takeover through arbitrary code execution.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) leading to further exploitation or data breach.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and weaponization is likely given the high CVSS score and WordPress ecosystem.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.1.9 (check vendor for specific fixed version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/zegen/vulnerability/wordpress-zegen-theme-1-1-9-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Zegen theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. If update not available, remove theme completely. 3. Verify theme files are properly sanitizing include/require statements.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to immediately remove vulnerability
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete zegen
Web Application Firewall rule
linuxBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Local File Inclusion attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories) and run web server with minimal privileges
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules and monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Zegen theme version. If version <= 1.1.9, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=zegen --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is > 1.1.9 or theme is completely removed. Test with controlled LFI payload to confirm patching.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns in parameters
- PHP include/require errors in web server logs
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in GET/POST parameters
- Requests to theme files with parameter manipulation
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*wp-content/themes/zegen*" AND param="*../*")