CVE-2025-58926
📋 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 Cerebrum theme users running versions up to and including 1.12, potentially leading to sensitive file disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Cerebrum Theme
📦 What is this software?
Cerebrum by Axiomthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive data exposure, and complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials), limited code execution within web server context, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, web server hardening, and security controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires specific vulnerable endpoints but is straightforward once identified. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.12
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/cerebrum/vulnerability/wordpress-cerebrum-theme-1-12-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Cerebrum theme to latest version. 2. If update not available, remove theme and replace with secure alternative. 3. Verify theme files are properly sanitized.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allTemporarily disable Cerebrum theme until patched
wp theme deactivate cerebrum
Restrict file inclusion
linuxModify PHP configuration to restrict file inclusion paths
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 with LFI protection rules
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in admin panel or wp-content/themes/cerebrum/style.cssCheck Version:
grep 'Version' wp-content/themes/cerebrum/style.css | head -1Verify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is greater than 1.12 and test vulnerable endpoints with controlled payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web logs
- PHP include/require errors with suspicious paths
- Requests containing '../' or file inclusion patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters
- Unusual file extensions in URLs
- Patterns matching LFI exploitation
SIEM Query:
web.url:*cerebrum* AND (web.url:*include* OR web.url:*require* OR web.url:*../*)