CVE-2025-68985
📋 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 installations using the Aora theme version 1.3.15 or earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Aora 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 system takeover through remote code execution.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions, web application firewalls, and input validation are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.16 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/aora/vulnerability/wordpress-aora-theme-1-3-15-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Aora theme updates. 4. Update to version 1.3.16 or later. 5. Clear any caching plugins.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall rule
linuxBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 600 on sensitive files)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/aora/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
grep 'Version:' wp-content/themes/aora/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Aora theme version is 1.3.16+ and test with known exploit payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns
- PHP include/require errors in web server logs
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in URL parameters
- Multiple failed include attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web.logs" AND ("../" OR "..\" OR "/etc/" OR "/proc/") AND status=200