CVE-2025-62053
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in the Houzez WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary remote files, potentially leading to remote code execution. All WordPress sites using Houzez theme versions before 4.2.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Houzez 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 allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive data, install backdoors, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, or malware installation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions, web application firewalls, and input validation are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward with publicly available proof-of-concept code.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.2.0
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/houzez/vulnerability/wordpress-houzez-theme-4-2-0-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Update Houzez theme to version 4.2.0 or later. 4. Clear any caching plugins/CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable allow_url_include
allModify PHP configuration to prevent remote file inclusion
Edit php.ini: allow_url_include = Off
Restart web server
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock requests containing suspicious include/require parameters
WAF specific - create rule to block patterns like '?file=http://' or '?include='
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or remove the Houzez theme entirely
- Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-controlled file parameters
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Houzez theme version below 4.2.0Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version | grep houzezVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Houzez theme version is 4.2.0 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PHP include/require statements in web logs
- Requests with file parameters containing URLs
- Multiple failed include attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file parameters pointing to external domains
- Unusual outbound connections after file inclusion attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND ("include.php" OR "require.php") AND ("http://" OR "https://" OR "ftp://")