CVE-2025-53431
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Emberlyn WordPress theme, allowing attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the server. It affects all versions up to and including 1.3.1, potentially leading to remote code execution or sensitive data disclosure.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Emberlyn 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 full server compromise, data theft, or malware deployment.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (e.g., configuration files) or limited code execution depending on server permissions.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerability is patched or proper file inclusion controls are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via crafted HTTP requests; public proof-of-concept details are available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version > 1.3.1 (check vendor for exact version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/emberlyn/vulnerability/wordpress-emberlyn-theme-1-3-1-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update the Emberlyn theme to the latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify the update by checking the theme version in Appearance > Themes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme to mitigate the vulnerability.
In WordPress admin, go to Appearance > Themes, activate a non-vulnerable theme, and deactivate Emberlyn.
Restrict file inclusion paths
linuxConfigure PHP settings to limit file inclusion to trusted directories.
Add 'open_basedir = /var/www/html' to php.ini (adjust path as needed).
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious requests targeting file inclusion patterns.
- Restrict server permissions to limit file access and execution capabilities for the web user.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the Emberlyn theme version in WordPress admin under Appearance > Themes; if version is 1.3.1 or lower, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
In WordPress, use: wp theme list --field=name,version | grep emberlyn (requires WP-CLI)Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, confirm the theme version is above 1.3.1 and test for file inclusion attempts via security scanning tools.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP requests with parameters like 'file=' or 'include=' targeting theme files in access logs.
Network Indicators:
- Incoming requests to theme-specific paths with suspicious file paths in query strings.
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND uri_path="/wp-content/themes/emberlyn/*" AND query="*file=*"