CVE-2025-68907
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the Hostme v2 WordPress theme allows attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server by manipulating file paths. It affects all WordPress sites using Hostme v2 theme versions up to and including 7.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- AivahThemes Hostme v2 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
Complete system compromise through deletion of critical system files, WordPress core files, or configuration files leading to service disruption or privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Website defacement, data loss, or denial of service through deletion of WordPress theme files, plugins, or uploaded content.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are properly configured and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Path traversal vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and weaponized quickly once disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 7.0
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/hostmev2/vulnerability/wordpress-hostme-v2-theme-7-0-arbitrary-file-deletion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Hostme v2 theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. If update not available, remove the theme entirely. 3. Verify theme files are properly sanitized.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme and deactivate Hostme v2
wp theme deactivate hostmev2
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web server file restriction
linuxConfigure web server to restrict file operations to specific directories
# Apache: Set appropriate Directory restrictions in .htaccess
# Nginx: Use location blocks to restrict file access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal patterns
- Restrict file permissions and run web server with minimal privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Hostme v2 theme version 7.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,version,status | grep hostmev2Verify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is updated beyond 7.0 or theme is completely removed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file deletion attempts in web server logs
- HTTP requests with '../' sequences in file parameters
- 404 errors for unexpected system files
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..\)
- File deletion requests to theme-specific endpoints
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE url CONTAINS '../' AND (url CONTAINS 'hostme' OR url CONTAINS 'theme')