CVE-2025-69301
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through PHP object injection by exploiting insecure deserialization in the PhotoMe WordPress theme. All WordPress sites using PhotoMe theme versions up to and including 5.6.11 are affected. Attackers can achieve remote code execution if they can submit malicious serialized data to vulnerable endpoints.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThemeGoods PhotoMe 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
Complete server compromise leading to data theft, malware deployment, backdoor installation, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Remote code execution allowing website defacement, data exfiltration, or installation of cryptocurrency miners and backdoors.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation, WAF rules blocking serialized data, and restricted file permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Deserialization vulnerabilities are commonly exploited with publicly available tools. The PatchStack advisory suggests exploitation is straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 5.6.11 (check ThemeGoods for latest)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/photome/vulnerability/wordpress-photome-theme-5-6-11-php-object-injection-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for PhotoMe theme updates. 4. If update available, click Update Now. 5. If no update available, remove PhotoMe theme and replace with secure alternative.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable PhotoMe Theme
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable theme until patched
wp theme deactivate photome
WAF Rule for Serialized Data
allBlock serialized PHP objects at web application firewall
Add WAF rule to block requests containing 'O:' followed by numbers (PHP serialized objects)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove PhotoMe theme completely and use alternative secure theme
- Implement strict input validation to reject serialized data in all user inputs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for PhotoMe theme version. If version is 5.6.11 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=photome --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After update, verify PhotoMe theme version is higher than 5.6.11 in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests containing serialized data patterns
- PHP errors related to unserialize() function
- Unexpected file writes or process executions
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with serialized PHP objects in parameters
- Traffic to known exploit servers or unusual outbound connections
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND ("O:[0-9]" OR "unserialize" OR "phar://") AND uri="*photome*"