CVE-2025-68984
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects all WordPress sites using the Puca theme version 2.6.39 and earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Puca 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 leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete site takeover through arbitrary code execution.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) leading to further attacks or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details are available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.6.40 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/puca/vulnerability/wordpress-puca-theme-2-6-39-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update the Puca theme to version 2.6.40 or later via WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Click 'Update Now' on the Puca theme. 4. Clear any caching plugins or server caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patched
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate puca
Restrict PHP file inclusion
linuxAdd .htaccess rules to block local file inclusion attempts
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (.*)(include|require)(.*)\.php [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file system permissions and run web server with minimal privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/puca/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
wp theme list --name=puca --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Puca theme version is 2.6.40 or higher and test with known exploit payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PHP include/require errors in web server logs
- Requests with file path traversal patterns in query strings
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing 'include', 'require', or file path patterns in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND ("include.php" OR "require.php" OR "..\\" OR "../")