CVE-2025-67920
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the Neo Ocular WordPress theme, potentially leading to remote code execution. It affects all WordPress sites using Neo Ocular theme versions before 1.2. Attackers can exploit this without authentication to read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Elated-Themes Neo Ocular 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
Full server compromise via remote code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal data, deface websites, or pivot to internal networks.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion leading to sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, credentials), followed by privilege escalation and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file inclusion is restricted to non-sensitive directories or PHP execution is disabled in upload directories.
🎯 Exploit Status
PHP local file inclusion vulnerabilities are well-understood and often weaponized quickly. The PatchStack reference suggests exploit details are publicly available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/neoocular/vulnerability/wordpress-neo-ocular-theme-1-2-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 Neo Ocular theme is active. 4. Update the theme to version 1.2 or later. 5. If update not available, replace with a secure alternative theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily until patch is applied
wp theme deactivate neoocular
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxAdd .htaccess rules to block local file inclusion attempts
# Add to .htaccess in WordPress root:
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (.*)(include|require)(.*)
RewriteRule ^.*$ - [F,L]
</IfModule>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately disable or remove the Neo Ocular theme and switch to a secure alternative
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns and monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version: In WordPress admin, go to Appearance > Themes and verify Neo Ocular version is below 1.2Check Version:
wp theme list --name=neoocular --fields=name,status,versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm theme version is 1.2 or higher in Appearance > Themes, and test file inclusion attempts return errors instead of executing📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PHP include/require statements in web server logs
- Requests with file path traversal patterns (../../../etc/passwd)
- Multiple failed attempts to access theme files with parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing 'include', 'require', or path traversal sequences targeting theme files
- Unusual file downloads from WordPress theme directories
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*neoocular*" AND (query="*include*" OR query="*require*" OR query="*../*"))