CVE-2025-53453
📋 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 Hygia theme version 1.16 and earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Hygia Theme
📦 What is this software?
Hygia by Axiomthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through arbitrary code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited information disclosure if file permissions are properly configured and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.16
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/hygia/vulnerability/wordpress-hygia-theme-1-16-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Hygia theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.16. 3. Clear WordPress cache if applicable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP file functions
linuxDisable dangerous PHP functions via php.ini
disable_functions = include,require,include_once,require_once
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns
- Restrict web server permissions to minimal required directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Hygia theme version <=1.16Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep hygiaVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version >1.16 and test LFI payloads return errors instead of file contents📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual include/require statements in PHP error logs
- HTTP requests with file path traversal patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '..', '/etc/', or other directory traversal patterns
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*..*" OR uri="*/etc/*" OR uri="*include*" OR uri="*require*")