CVE-2025-58885
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Pathfinder WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary local files, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or remote code execution. All WordPress sites using Pathfinder theme version 1.16 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Pathfinder WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Pathfinder by Ancorathemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations prevent unauthorized access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details are available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.16 (check vendor for specific fixed version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/pathfinder/vulnerability/wordpress-pathfinder-theme-1-16-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Pathfinder theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme files are replaced. 3. Clear any caching plugins. 4. Test website functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Pathfinder Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily until patched.
wp theme deactivate pathfinder
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing suspicious file inclusion patterns.
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories) to limit readable files.
- Use web server configuration to restrict PHP include paths to specific directories only.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Pathfinder version <= 1.16.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=pathfinder --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is >1.16 and test by attempting known exploit payloads (monitor logs for blocked attempts).📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns in parameters
- PHP warnings about failed file inclusions
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in GET/POST parameters
- Multiple 403/404 errors followed by 200 success on sensitive files
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR params="*../*") AND response_code=200