CVE-2025-53434
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the ChildHope WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the ChildHope theme are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes ChildHope 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 system compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and security controls preventing file writes.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.1.8
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/childhope/vulnerability/wordpress-childhope-theme-1-1-8-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update ChildHope theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.1.8. 3. Clear any caching plugins. 4. Test website functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch is applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict file inclusion
linuxAdd PHP configuration to disable dangerous functions
php_admin_value allow_url_include Off
php_admin_value allow_url_fopen Off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict access controls on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for ChildHope version <=1.1.8Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep childhopeVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm ChildHope theme version >1.1.8 in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file include requests in PHP/webserver logs
- Requests with suspicious file paths in query parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file paths in parameters like ?file=../../etc/passwd
SIEM Query:
web.url:*file=* AND web.url:*..* AND (dst.port:80 OR dst.port:443)