CVE-2025-68546
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects websites running the Thembay Nika WordPress theme, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- Thembay Nika 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 through local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive file disclosure (config files, passwords), and complete website takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive information disclosure (database credentials, configuration files) and limited file reading capabilities on the server.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper file permissions, web application firewalls, and restricted PHP execution environments.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.2.14
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/nika/vulnerability/wordpress-nika-theme-1-2-14-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 Nika theme update is available. 4. Update to latest version. 5. Alternatively, replace with patched version from official sources.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to immediately remove vulnerability
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall rule
linuxBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "phase:2,deny,status:403,id:1001"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 600 for sensitive files)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or use: wp theme list --field=name,status,versionCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version | grep -i nikaVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Nika theme version is greater than 1.2.14 and test with known exploit payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns in parameters
- PHP include/require errors in error logs
- Unusual file access patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file path traversal sequences (../, ..\)
- Requests to theme files with suspicious parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR params="*../*") AND user_agent!="*scanner*"