CVE-2025-53443
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Smash theme from AxiomThemes. All versions up to and including 1.7 are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- AxiomThemes Smash WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Smash by Axiomthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through inclusion of sensitive files like /etc/passwd or PHP session files, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of sensitive server files, configuration files, or source code.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are properly configured and sensitive files are not accessible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and weaponization is likely given the public disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: > 1.7
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/smash/vulnerability/wordpress-smash-theme-1-7-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update the Smash theme to version >1.7 through WordPress admin panel. 2. If update not available, remove the theme entirely. 3. Verify the update by checking theme version in Appearance > Themes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme and deactivate/remove the Smash theme
wp theme deactivate smash
wp theme delete smash
Restrict PHP file inclusion
allConfigure PHP to restrict file inclusion paths via open_basedir or disable allow_url_include
php.ini: open_basedir = /var/www/html
php.ini: allow_url_include = Off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns
- Restrict file system access through proper file permissions and disable unnecessary PHP functions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or use: wp theme list | grep smashCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep smashVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Smash theme version is >1.7 or theme is removed: wp theme status smash📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in web server logs
- Multiple requests with ../ sequences or file inclusion parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters like ?file=../../../etc/passwd
SIEM Query:
web.url:*file=* AND web.url:*../*