CVE-2025-67523
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Exhibz WordPress theme that allows attackers to include arbitrary local files via improper filename control in include/require statements. Attackers can read sensitive files, potentially leading to information disclosure or remote code execution. All WordPress sites using Exhibz theme versions up to and including 3.0.9 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Exhibz 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 persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited file system access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and web server restrictions preventing access to sensitive files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public proof-of-concept code is available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 3.0.9
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/exhibz/vulnerability/wordpress-exhibz-theme-3-0-9-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Exhibz theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. If auto-update fails, manually download latest version from WordPress repository. 3. Replace theme files via FTP/SFTP if necessary. 4. Clear WordPress cache after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Exhibz Theme
allTemporarily switch to default WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate exhibz
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal sequences in Exhibz theme URLs
# Example mod_security rule: SecRule REQUEST_URI "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:1,deny,status:403"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 600 for sensitive files)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel for Exhibz theme version. If version is 3.0.9 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep exhibzVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Exhibz theme version is greater than 3.0.9 in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests to exhibz theme files with ../ sequences
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php from Exhibz URLs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns to Exhibz theme endpoints
- Multiple failed attempts to access system files
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND uri="/wp-content/themes/exhibz/*" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*" OR response_code=200 AND uri="*/etc/passwd" OR uri="*/wp-config.php")