CVE-2025-53578
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Kipso WordPress theme that allows attackers to include arbitrary local files via improper filename control in include/require statements. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code by including malicious files. All WordPress sites using Kipso theme versions up to 1.3.4 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Kipso 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 exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations prevent file inclusion outside intended directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/kipso/vulnerability/wordpress-kipso-theme-1-3-4-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if Kipso theme update is available. 4. Update to version 1.3.5 or later. 5. Alternatively, download updated theme from WordPress repository and replace existing files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate kipso
Restrict PHP file operations
linuxConfigure PHP to restrict file inclusion operations
php_admin_value open_basedir "/var/www/html:/tmp"
php_admin_value allow_url_include Off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict web server permissions to prevent reading sensitive files outside web root
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version via Appearance > Themes in admin panel or inspect theme files for version numberCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep kipsoVerify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is 1.3.5 or later and test file inclusion attempts return errors instead of file contents📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with path traversal parameters
- Failed include/require attempts with suspicious paths
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' patterns or absolute paths to theme files
- Unusual file extensions being requested via theme parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*kipso*" AND (query="*../*" OR query="*/etc/*" OR query="*passwd*"))