CVE-2025-60046
📋 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 HeartStar theme users running versions up to and including 1.0.14, potentially leading to sensitive file disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress HeartStar Theme
📦 What is this software?
Heartstar 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, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, web server restrictions, and security controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.0.14
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/heartstar/vulnerability/wordpress-heartstar-theme-1-0-14-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update HeartStar theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.0.14. 3. Clear any caching mechanisms.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch is applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxConfigure PHP to disable dangerous functions and restrict file inclusion paths
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html
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 on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for HeartStar version <=1.0.14Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep heartstarVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm HeartStar theme version >1.0.14 in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in web server logs
- Multiple requests to theme files with path traversal parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' or similar path traversal sequences to theme files
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*heartstar*" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*"))