CVE-2025-53429
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server through the Exit Game WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. All WordPress sites using Exit Game theme version 1.4.3 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Exit Game 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 server compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
File read-only access if PHP execution is restricted in included files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.4.3
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/exit-game/vulnerability/wordpress-exit-game-theme-1-4-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Exit Game theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. If update unavailable, remove theme completely. 3. Verify theme files are replaced with patched versions.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to remove vulnerable code
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete exit-game
Restrict file inclusion
linuxAdd PHP configuration to prevent local file inclusion
php_admin_value allow_url_include Off
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict theme directory permissions and disable PHP execution in uploads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel for Exit Game theme version <=1.4.3Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep exit-gameVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version >1.4.3 or theme is removed/deactivated📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with suspicious file parameters like ?file=../../etc/passwd
- PHP include/require errors with unusual paths
Network Indicators:
- Unusual GET/POST requests to theme files with path traversal sequences
SIEM Query:
web.url:*exit-game* AND (web.uri:*..* OR web.param:*file=*)