CVE-2025-64216
📋 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 SmartMag theme users running versions up to and including 10.3.0, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThemeSphere SmartMag 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 server compromise, data exfiltration, and backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing sensitive file reading (configuration files, passwords, source code) and potential path traversal to other directories.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 10.3.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/smart-mag/vulnerability/wordpress-smartmag-theme-10-3-0-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 SmartMag theme update notification. 4. Click 'Update Now' for SmartMag theme. 5. Verify theme version is 10.3.1 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate smart-mag
Restrict file access
linuxAdd .htaccess rules to block access to vulnerable PHP files
# Add to .htaccess in theme directory:
<Files "vulnerable-file.php">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</Files>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns in requests
- Restrict web server permissions to prevent reading sensitive files outside web root
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for SmartMag version. If version is 10.3.0 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep smart-magVerify Fix Applied:
After update, verify SmartMag theme shows version 10.3.1 or higher in WordPress admin.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs (e.g., ../../../etc/passwd)
- Multiple 404 errors followed by 200s on unusual file paths
- Requests to theme PHP files with unusual parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../) in parameters
- Requests to theme files with file inclusion parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*php?file=*" OR uri="*smart-mag*" AND status=200)