CVE-2025-69100 – This vulnerability allows attackers to include ... (How to Fix)

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper filename control in the North WordPress theme. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. All WordPress sites using North theme versions up to 5.7.5 are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

fuelthemes North WordPress theme

Versions: All versions up to and including 5.7.5

Operating Systems: Any OS running PHP

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires WordPress installation with North theme active. PHP configuration may affect exploitability.

⚠️ 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.

Recommended Actions:

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

Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution.

🟢

If Mitigated

Unauthorized file access blocked, but vulnerability still present in codebase.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: LOW

Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Version after 5.7.5

Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/north-wp/vulnerability/wordpress-north-theme-5-7-5-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 North theme updates
4. Update to latest version (above 5.7.5)
5. Verify theme functions correctly after update

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable vulnerable theme

all

Switch to default WordPress theme temporarily

wp theme activate twentytwentyfour

Restrict PHP file inclusion

linux

Add .htaccess rules to block suspicious file inclusion patterns

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (.*)include(.*) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns
Restrict file system permissions and disable unnecessary PHP functions

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for North theme version 5.7.5 or earlier

Check Version:

wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep north

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm North theme version is above 5.7.5 in WordPress admin

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual file include patterns in PHP error logs
HTTP requests with suspicious include parameters

Network Indicators:

HTTP requests containing 'include' or 'require' parameters targeting theme files

SIEM Query:

source="web_server" AND ("include.php" OR "north-wp" OR "theme=north") AND status=200

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2025-69100

CVSS v3 Score: 8.1 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-98

EPSS Score: 0.15% exploit probability (35.8th percentile)

Published: January 22, 2026

Last Updated: January 29, 2026

🔗 References

https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/north-wp/vulnerability/wordpress-north-theme-5-7-5-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve

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