CVE-2025-58937
📋 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 websites using the Tacticool theme from version 1.0.13 and earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- axiomthemes Tacticool WordPress theme
📦 What is this software?
Tacticool 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 impact with proper file permissions, disabled dangerous PHP functions, and restricted web server access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit code is available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.0.13
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/tacticool/vulnerability/wordpress-tacticool-theme-1-0-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Tacticool theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is greater than 1.0.13. 3. Clear any caching mechanisms.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Tacticool Theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate tacticool
Restrict PHP File Functions
linuxDisable dangerous PHP functions via php.ini configuration
disable_functions = include,require,include_once,require_once
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict web server permissions to prevent reading sensitive files outside web root
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/tacticool/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep tacticoolVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is greater than 1.0.13 and test file inclusion attempts return errors📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with parameter manipulation
- Errors containing 'include' or 'require' with user-supplied input
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file path traversal in parameters
- Requests to theme PHP files with unusual parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="*tacticool*" AND (param="*../*" OR param="*php://*" OR param="*file=*"))