CVE-2025-69074
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Pearson Specter theme version 1.11.3 and earlier. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Pearson Specter 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 exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires knowledge of vulnerable parameters. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >1.11.3
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Pearson Specter theme to latest version. 2. If update unavailable, remove vulnerable theme files. 3. Verify theme directory permissions are secure.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme and disable Pearson Specter theme
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate pearsonspecter
Restrict file access
linuxSet strict file permissions on web directories
chmod 755 /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/
chmod 644 /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/pearsonspecter/*
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict web server user permissions and implement strict file system access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in Appearance > Themes or via wp theme list commandCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep pearsonspecterVerify Fix Applied:
Verify theme version is >1.11.3 and test vulnerable endpoints with controlled payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web logs
- Requests with ../ sequences or file inclusion parameters
- Access to sensitive system files from web context
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion parameters (include, require, file parameters)
- Unusual outbound connections from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*include=*" OR uri="*require=*" OR uri="*file=*") AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*/etc/*" OR uri="*/proc/*")