CVE-2025-59564
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects EduMall WordPress theme users running versions below 4.4.5, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThemeMove EduMall WordPress Theme
📦 What is this software?
Edumall by Thememove
⚠️ 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 database credentials), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive information disclosure from local files (wp-config.php, /etc/passwd), partial code execution through log poisoning, or limited file read access.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file permissions, web server restrictions, and input validation are in place to prevent unauthorized file access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires finding vulnerable include/require statements with user-controlled parameters. Public exploit details available through security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.4.5
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/edumall/vulnerability/wordpress-edumall-theme-4-4-5-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 EduMall theme update notification. 4. Click 'Update Now' for EduMall theme. 5. Verify theme version shows 4.4.5 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation and Sanitization
allAdd input validation to filter file paths and prevent directory traversal
// In vulnerable PHP files, add: $filename = basename($_GET['param']); // Only allow filenames without paths
Web Server Restrictions
linuxConfigure web server to restrict file access outside web root
# Apache: php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html
# Nginx: fastcgi_param PHP_ADMIN_VALUE "open_basedir=/var/www/html"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or remove the EduMall theme entirely and switch to a secure alternative
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..\, etc.)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/edumall/style.css or via WordPress admin panel under Appearance > ThemesCheck Version:
grep 'Version' /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/themes/edumall/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm EduMall theme version is 4.4.5 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web server logs
- Requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..\) to PHP files
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file path parameters containing traversal sequences
- Unexpected file downloads from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*" OR uri="*/etc/passwd*" OR uri="*/wp-config.php*")