CVE-2025-58896
📋 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 Otaku theme from AncoraThemes, potentially leading to sensitive file disclosure or code execution. All sites running Otaku theme version 1.8.0 or earlier are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Otaku WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Otaku by Ancorathemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive configuration file disclosure (wp-config.php), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure including database credentials, configuration files, and user data, potentially leading to site defacement or data theft.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and security controls, potentially only allowing read access to non-sensitive files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires no authentication and uses simple HTTP requests with path traversal payloads.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.8.0
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/otaku/vulnerability/wordpress-otaku-theme-1-8-0-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 Otaku theme update. 4. If update available, click Update Now. 5. If no update available, replace with patched version manually.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch is available
Restrict file permissions
linuxSet strict file permissions on sensitive configuration files
chmod 600 wp-config.php
chmod 600 .htaccess
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns
- Disable theme functionality through WordPress hooks or remove vulnerable files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel under Appearance > Themes for Otaku theme version 1.8.0 or earlierCheck Version:
grep -r "Version:" wp-content/themes/otaku/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is greater than 1.8.0 in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns
- Requests to theme files with unusual parameters
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests with path traversal payloads
- Requests to theme PHP files with include parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*wp-config*" OR uri="*otaku*" AND param="*include*")