CVE-2025-60198
📋 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 sites using the Saxon theme version 1.9.3 or earlier, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or remote code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- Saxon - Viral Content Blog & Magazine Marketing 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
Full server compromise through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, data theft, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution within WordPress context.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if file inclusion is restricted to non-sensitive directories or proper file permissions are enforced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.9.3
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Saxon theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.9.3. 3. Clear any caching plugins. 4. Test theme functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch is applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict file inclusion
linuxModify PHP configuration to restrict file inclusion paths
php_admin_value open_basedir "/var/www/html:/tmp"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions and disable unnecessary PHP functions like include/require
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Saxon theme version <=1.9.3Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep saxonVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is >1.9.3 and test file inclusion attempts return errors📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- Multiple include/require failures with path traversal patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file path parameters like ?file=../../etc/passwd
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*file=*" OR uri="*include=*") AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*" OR uri="*php://*")