CVE-2025-53440
PHP Local File Inclusion in Confidant Theme
Publication date: 2026-06-02
Last updated on: 2026-06-02
Assigner: Patchstack
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| axiomthemes | confidant | From 1.0 (inc) to 1.4 (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?
This vulnerability is an improper control of the filename used in include or require statements within a PHP program. Specifically, it is a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability found in the Axiomthemes Confidant software up to version 1.4. This means that an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter to include unintended files on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution or information disclosure.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the target website, potentially exposing sensitive data such as database credentials and enabling a complete database takeover depending on server configuration.
Exposure of sensitive data due to this vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, which require safeguarding personal and sensitive information against unauthorized access.
Since the vulnerability is unauthenticated and high risk, failure to address it promptly may result in violations of these standards, potentially leading to legal and financial consequences.
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) flaw in the WordPress Confidant Theme versions 1.4 and below. Detection typically involves monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests attempting to include local files via the vulnerable PHP include/require statements.
Common detection methods include analyzing web server logs for requests containing file path traversal patterns such as "../" or attempts to include sensitive files like "/etc/passwd" or configuration files.
Example commands to detect potential exploitation attempts on a Linux server include:
- grep -iE "(\.{2}/|etc/passwd|wp-config.php)" /var/log/apache2/access.log
- tail -f /var/log/apache2/access.log | grep -i "include"
- Using web application firewall (WAF) logs or intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify suspicious payloads targeting the theme.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include applying any available patches or updates to the WordPress Confidant Theme. However, as of now, no official patch is available for this vulnerability.
Until an official fix is released, it is advised to implement mitigation rules provided by Patchstack or similar security providers to block exploitation attempts.
Additional steps include:
- Temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme if possible.
- Consulting with your hosting provider or a web developer to apply custom security rules or WAF filters.
- Monitoring your website and server logs closely for any signs of exploitation.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The vulnerability can have a severe impact as it allows an attacker to include local files on the server, which can lead to remote code execution, data theft, or complete compromise of the affected system. According to the CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1, it has high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, meaning it can result in significant damage without requiring user interaction or privileges.