CVE-2025-60053
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the MaxCube WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary local files through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All WordPress sites using MaxCube theme version 1.3.1 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes MaxCube WordPress Theme
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations prevent access to sensitive files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal techniques can be used. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.3.1 (check vendor for specific version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/maxcube/vulnerability/wordpress-maxcube-theme-1-3-1-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 MaxCube theme updates. 4. Update to latest version. 5. If no update available, replace with alternative theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allTemporarily switch to default WordPress theme to mitigate vulnerability
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests containing path traversal sequences in URL parameters
Add WAF rule: Block if ARGS contains '../' or '..\\'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 600 on sensitive files)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/maxcube/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep maxcubeVerify Fix Applied:
Verify MaxCube theme version is greater than 1.3.1 and test LFI payloads return errors instead of file contents📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with '../' sequences in query parameters
- Access to unusual PHP files via theme paths
- Failed include/require warnings in PHP error logs
Network Indicators:
- GET/POST requests to theme files with path traversal parameters
- Unusual file extensions requested through theme endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*") AND uri="*maxcube*"