CVE-2025-58928
📋 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 Heart theme users running versions up to and including 1.8, potentially leading to information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Heart theme
📦 What is this software?
Heart by Axiomthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive file disclosure (including configuration files with credentials), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of sensitive files (wp-config.php, /etc/passwd), limited code execution through PHP wrappers, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are properly configured, PHP open_basedir restrictions are enabled, and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via crafted HTTP requests. Public proof-of-concept exists in vulnerability databases.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.8
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/heart/vulnerability/wordpress-heart-theme-1-8-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Heart theme to latest version (>1.8) via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme files are properly updated. 3. Clear any caching mechanisms.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme deactivate heart
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
PHP configuration hardening
linuxSet PHP open_basedir restrictions and disable dangerous functions
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict access controls on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Heart theme version. If version is 1.8 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=heart --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Heart theme version is >1.8 in WordPress admin. Test with known safe LFI payloads to confirm patching.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs (../../, /etc/passwd, wp-config.php)
- Multiple 200/500 responses to theme file requests with unusual parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters (file=, page=, include=) targeting theme files
- Unusual outbound connections from web server post-exploitation
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri_path="*heart*" AND (query="*../*" OR query="*/etc/*" OR query="*wp-config*"))