CVE-2025-64223
📋 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 PenNews theme from PenciDesign. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code depending on server configuration.
💻 Affected Systems
- PenNews WordPress Theme by PenciDesign
⚠️ 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 theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited file system access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations restrict access to sensitive directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available through security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.7.3
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/pennews/vulnerability/wordpress-pennews-theme-6-7-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if PenNews theme shows update available. 4. Update to version 6.7.3 or later. 5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress repository and replace theme files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allTemporarily switch to default WordPress theme until patched
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxConfigure PHP to disable dangerous functions and restrict file access
php.ini: disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen,curl_exec,curl_multi_exec,parse_ini_file,show_source
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict access controls on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or examine theme files for version metadataCheck Version:
grep -r "Version:" /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/themes/pennews/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm PenNews theme version is 6.7.3 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP error logs
- HTTP requests with suspicious file parameters like ?file=../../etc/passwd
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../) in parameters
- Requests to theme files with unusual parameters
SIEM Query:
web.url:*pennews* AND (web.uri:*..* OR web.param:*..*)