CVE-2025-68536
Local File Inclusion in Zota ≤ 1.3.14 PHP Component
Publication date: 2026-02-20
Last updated on: 2026-02-24
Assigner: Patchstack
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| thembay | zota | to 1.3.14 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-98 | The PHP application receives input from an upstream component, but it does not restrict or incorrectly restricts the input before its usage in "require," "include," or similar functions. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2025-68536 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the WordPress Zota Theme versions up to and including 1.3.14.
This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to include and display local files from the target website by exploiting improper control of filename parameters in PHP include/require statements.
As a result, sensitive information such as database credentials can be exposed.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive files on the server, including database credentials.
Depending on the server configuration, an attacker could potentially take over the entire database.
The vulnerability requires no privileges to exploit and is considered highly dangerous with expected exploitation in the wild.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to include and display local files from the target website, which can be detected by monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests attempting to exploit Local File Inclusion (LFI) in the Zota Theme.
While specific commands are not provided, detection can involve inspecting web server logs for requests containing suspicious parameters that attempt to include local files, such as those with directory traversal patterns or attempts to access sensitive files.
Additionally, applying Patchstack mitigation rules can help block attacks targeting this vulnerability and can be used as part of detection and prevention.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
The immediate step to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the WordPress Zota Theme to version 1.3.15 or later, where the vulnerability is patched.
Until the update can be applied, it is strongly recommended to use Patchstack mitigation rules which provide rapid protection by blocking attacks targeting this Local File Inclusion vulnerability.