CVE-2025-54700
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through PHP's include/require functions in the Makeaholic WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code by manipulating file paths. All WordPress sites using the Makeaholic theme version 1.8.4 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThemeMove Makeaholic WordPress Theme
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
File read-only access if PHP execution is restricted in included files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal or file inclusion payloads can exploit this vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.8.5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/makeaholic/vulnerability/wordpress-makeaholic-theme-1-8-4-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Makeaholic theme to version 1.8.5+ via WordPress admin panel. 2. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress repository. 3. Replace theme files manually if auto-update fails.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch is applied
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxAdd .htaccess rules to block file inclusion attempts
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (.*)(include|require)(.*)php://(.*)
RewriteRule ^.*$ - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file system permissions and disable PHP execution in upload directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Makeaholic theme version 1.8.4 or earlierCheck Version:
grep -r "Version:" wp-content/themes/makeaholic/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Makeaholic theme version is 1.8.5+ in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in PHP error logs
- Multiple 404 errors for non-existent theme files
- include/require statements with suspicious parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file path traversal in parameters
- Requests to theme files with unusual query strings
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*makeaholic*" AND (query="*include*" OR query="*require*" OR query="*php://*"))