CVE-2025-53447
📋 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 Assembly theme users running version 1.1 or earlier, potentially enabling unauthorized file access and code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Assembly Theme
📦 What is this software?
Assembly by Axiomthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through remote code execution, data exfiltration, and complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials), limited code execution, and website defacement.
If Mitigated
Unauthorized file read access to web-accessible directories only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.1
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/assembly/vulnerability/wordpress-assembly-theme-1-1-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Assembly theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.1. 3. Clear any caching mechanisms.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web server file restriction
linuxAdd .htaccess rules to block malicious requests
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (.*)include(.*) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement WAF rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict web server permissions to minimal required directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Assembly theme version <=1.1Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep assemblyVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version >1.1 and test with known exploit payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual include/require statements in PHP logs
- HTTP requests with file path parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests with 'include' or file path parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*include*" OR uri="*require*" OR query="*file=*" OR query="*path=*")