CVE-2025-69037
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Pippo WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary local files through improper filename control in include/require statements, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All WordPress sites using Pippo theme versions up to and including 1.2.3 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- goalthemes Pippo 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 inclusion of malicious PHP files leading to remote code execution, data exfiltration, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, etc.) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are properly configured and sensitive files are outside web root.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal or file inclusion payloads can exploit this vulnerability. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.2.3 (check vendor for specific fixed version)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/pippo/vulnerability/wordpress-pippo-theme-1-2-3-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 Pippo theme update is available. 4. Update to latest version. 5. If no update available, replace with alternative theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Pippo Theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to immediately remove vulnerability
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme delete pippo
Web Application Firewall Rules
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal patterns in theme parameters
# Example ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 644 for PHP files, 755 for directories)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Pippo theme version. If version is 1.2.3 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=pippo --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Pippo theme is either removed or updated to version above 1.2.3. Test with controlled LFI payloads.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web server logs
- Requests containing '../' or similar path traversal strings in theme-related parameters
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd from web root
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters targeting theme files
- Abnormal response sizes when accessing theme files
SIEM Query:
source="web_server.log" AND (uri="*pippo*" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*" OR uri="*%2e%2e%2f*"))