CVE-2025-67941: 
WordPress vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2025-67941 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Elated-Themes "The Aisle" WordPress theme, classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). It affects all versions of The Aisle prior to 2.9.1 and was reported by researcher Tran Nguyen Bao Khanh (VCI - VNPT Cyber Immunity) on October 28, 2025, with public disclosure on January 16–22, 2026. The vulnerability carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (High), as assessed by CISA-ADP (Patchstack, NVD).

The vulnerability stems from improper validation and sanitization of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements within The Aisle WordPress theme (CWE-98). An unauthenticated remote attacker can manipulate file path inputs to cause the server to include arbitrary local files, potentially exposing their contents. The attack vector is network-based with high attack complexity and requires no privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability was discovered and reported through Patchstack's coordinated disclosure process (Patchstack).

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to read and include arbitrary local files on the server, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Sensitive files such as WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php) containing database credentials could be exposed, potentially enabling complete database takeover. In certain configurations, LFI can be chained with other vulnerabilities (e.g., log poisoning) to achieve remote code execution and full system compromise (Patchstack).

No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been identified, and there is no evidence of active in-the-wild exploitation at this time. The EPSS score is approximately 0.053%, indicating a low current probability of exploitation. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Patchstack has classified it as high priority, noting that LFI vulnerabilities of this type are commonly used in mass-exploit campaigns targeting WordPress sites (Patchstack).

1. Reconnaissance: Identify WordPress sites using The Aisle theme (versions < 2.9.1) via web crawlers, Wappalyzer, or tools like WPScan that enumerate installed themes.
2. Identify vulnerable parameter: Locate the theme's PHP file inclusion parameter(s) that accept user-controlled input for file paths, typically exposed through theme template loading or AJAX handlers.
3. Craft LFI payload: Construct a request with a manipulated filename parameter using path traversal sequences (e.g., ../../../../wp-config.php) to reference sensitive local files.
4. Send malicious request: Submit the crafted HTTP request to the target WordPress site without authentication, triggering the vulnerable include/require statement.
5. Extract sensitive data: Review the server response for included file contents (e.g., database credentials from wp-config.php, system files like /etc/passwd).
6. Escalate (optional): Chain the LFI with log poisoning or other techniques to achieve remote code execution if server conditions permit (Patchstack).

• Network: Unusual HTTP GET or POST requests to WordPress theme endpoints containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../, ..%2F, ....//) in query parameters or POST body fields.
• Logs: WordPress or web server access logs showing requests with encoded path traversal patterns targeting theme-related PHP files; repeated 200 responses to requests with suspicious file path parameters.
• File System: Unexpected access to sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files as reflected in server access logs.
• Process: Unusual PHP process activity or unexpected outbound connections if LFI is escalated to code execution via log poisoning or similar techniques.

The primary remediation is to update The Aisle WordPress theme to version 2.9.1 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability. For sites unable to patch immediately, Patchstack has issued a virtual patching/mitigation rule to block exploitation attempts. Additional interim mitigations include implementing strict input validation on all file inclusion parameters, restricting PHP file permissions, and ensuring allow_url_include is set to Off in php.ini to prevent remote file inclusion escalation (Patchstack).

Wordfence included this vulnerability in their weekly WordPress vulnerability intelligence report covering January 12–18, 2026, highlighting it as part of broader WordPress theme security concerns. No significant additional vendor statements or notable researcher commentary beyond the Patchstack disclosure have been identified.