CVE-2025-58931
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP's include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Palatio theme version 1.6 and earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Palatio WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Palatio by Axiomthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through arbitrary code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited information disclosure if proper file permissions and web server configurations restrict access to sensitive directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal techniques can exploit this vulnerability. Public proof-of-concept code exists in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.6
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/palatio/vulnerability/wordpress-palatio-theme-1-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if Palatio theme is active. 4. Update to latest version (>1.6) if available. 5. If no update available, deactivate and replace with secure alternative.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allDeactivate the Palatio theme and switch to a secure alternative theme
wp theme deactivate palatio
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP include paths
linuxModify php.ini to restrict include_path and disable dangerous functions
php.ini: open_basedir = /var/www/html
php.ini: disable_functions = include,require,include_once,require_once
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal patterns in requests
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict access controls on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version: wp theme list | grep palatio or inspect wp-content/themes/palatio/style.css version headerCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep palatioVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version >1.6 or that Palatio theme is deactivated: wp theme status palatio📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual include/require statements in PHP error logs
- Path traversal patterns in web server access logs
- Requests to theme files with ../ patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing ../ patterns to theme PHP files
- Unusual file read attempts from web root
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE uri CONTAINS '../' AND uri CONTAINS '.php' AND uri CONTAINS 'palatio'