CVE-2025-69044
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the Vango WordPress theme. Attackers can read sensitive files or potentially execute arbitrary code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. All WordPress sites using Vango theme version 1.3.3 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- goalthemes Vango 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
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing reading of sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions restrict sensitive file access and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires knowledge of vulnerable parameter and path traversal techniques. Public exploit details available on security research sites.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/vango/vulnerability/wordpress-vango-theme-1-3-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes
3. Check for Vango theme update notification
4. Click 'Update Now' if available
5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress theme repository
6. Upload and replace existing theme files
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme until patch is applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web application firewall rule
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal sequences in theme parameters
# Example mod_security rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 600 for sensitive files like wp-config.php)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Vango theme version. If version is 1.3.3 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=vango --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After update, verify theme version shows 1.3.4 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ sequences in theme-related parameters
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php from web user context
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file read patterns from web server
- Requests to theme files with parameter manipulation
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*vango*" AND (param="*../*" OR param="*..\\*"))