CVE-2025-67616
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through PHP's include/require statements in the Mella WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files, execute code, or escalate privileges. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the BZOTheme Mella theme are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- BZOTheme Mella 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 theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, passwords) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal or file inclusion payloads can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.2.29
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/mella/vulnerability/wordpress-mella-theme-1-2-29-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Mella theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. If auto-update unavailable, manually download latest version from official source. 3. Replace theme files via FTP/SFTP. 4. Clear WordPress cache.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch is applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP file functions
linuxModify php.ini to disable dangerous functions
disable_functions = include,require,include_once,require_once
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns
- Restrict file system access through proper permissions and disable unnecessary PHP functions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Mella theme version <= 1.2.29Check Version:
wp theme list --name=mella --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is > 1.2.29 and test LFI payloads return errors instead of file contents📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual include/require statements in PHP logs
- Path traversal patterns in web server logs
- Requests to theme files with suspicious parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing ../ patterns
- Requests to wp-content/themes/mella/ with file inclusion parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*/mella/*") AND (param="*include*" OR param="*require*")