CVE-2025-53432
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP's include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Echo theme from AncoraThemes, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All installations using Echo theme version 1.15.0 or earlier are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Echo 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 local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive data exposure, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of sensitive files like configuration files, password hashes, or source code, potentially leading to further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations restrict access to sensitive directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
PHP local file inclusion vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and weaponized. Public proof-of-concept exists on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.15.0 (check vendor for specific fixed version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/echo/vulnerability/wordpress-echo-theme-1-15-0-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Echo theme updates. 4. Update to latest version. 5. If no update available, replace with alternative theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Echo Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme to remove the vulnerable code.
wp theme deactivate echo
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP File Functions
linuxModify php.ini to disable dangerous functions if possible.
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html
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 WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or use: wp theme list --field=name,status,versionCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version | grep echoVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Echo theme version is greater than 1.15.0 and test file inclusion attempts return errors instead of file contents.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- Multiple requests with ../ patterns
- Requests to theme files with parameter manipulation
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file inclusion patterns like ?file=../../etc/passwd
- Unusual traffic to theme PHP files
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*echo*" AND (param="*../*" OR param="*file=*"))