CVE-2025-58891
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the Sanger WordPress theme. Attackers can read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. All WordPress sites using Sanger theme versions up to 1.24.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Sanger WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Sanger 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
Unauthorized file access prevented, but vulnerability remains present in code.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal or file inclusion payloads can exploit this vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.24.0 (check vendor for specific version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/sanger/vulnerability/wordpress-sanger-theme-1-24-0-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Sanger theme updates. 4. Update to latest version. 5. If no update available, switch to different theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Sanger Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme to remove vulnerable code.
WordPress Admin > Appearance > Themes > Activate alternative theme
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing file inclusion patterns in theme paths.
WAF specific - block patterns like */sanger/*.php?file=../../
ModSecurity: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permission controls on web server directories
- Deploy web application firewall with file inclusion attack detection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Sanger theme version. If version is 1.24.0 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
WordPress: wp theme list --field=name,version | grep sanger OR check wp-content/themes/sanger/style.css Version headerVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Sanger theme version is higher than 1.24.0 or theme is deactivated.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to sanger theme files with file= parameter
- PHP include/require errors in web server logs
- Unusual file access patterns in theme directory
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../) targeting theme files
- Unexpected file downloads from theme paths
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri_path="*sanger*" AND query_string="*file=*" AND (query_string="*../*" OR query_string="*/../*"))