CVE-2025-69078
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through PHP's include/require statements in the Malta WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. All WordPress sites using the Malta theme version 1.3.3 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- AncoraThemes Malta 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 server compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution.
If Mitigated
File read attempts logged but blocked, no data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests with crafted parameters can trigger the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.3.3
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/malta/vulnerability/wordpress-malta-theme-1-3-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Malta theme to latest version via WordPress admin panel. 2. Verify theme version is >1.3.3. 3. Clear any caching plugins.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests with suspicious include parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove or disable the Malta theme entirely
- Implement strict file permission controls on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Malta theme version <=1.3.3Check Version:
wp theme list --name=malta --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Malta theme version >1.3.3 in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual PHP include/require errors
- Requests with file path parameters like ?file=../../etc/passwd
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with suspicious file parameters to theme files
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE uri CONTAINS 'malta' AND (params CONTAINS 'file=' OR params CONTAINS 'include=')