CVE-2025-54709
Published: 09 September 2025
Summary
CVE-2025-54709 is a high-severity PHP Remote File Inclusion (CWE-98) vulnerability. Its CVSS base score is 8.1 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190); ranked at the 39.2th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 SI-10 (Information Input Validation) and SI-2 (Flaw Remediation).
Deeper analysis
CVE-2025-54709 is an Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program vulnerability, classified as PHP Remote File Inclusion (CWE-98), affecting the uxper Sala WordPress theme. This issue impacts Sala versions from n/a through 1.1.6. The vulnerability carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (High), with a vector of AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating network accessibility, high attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high impacts across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by manipulating filename controls in PHP include/require statements, potentially leading to the inclusion and execution of malicious remote files. Successful exploitation could result in full system compromise, including arbitrary code execution, data theft, modification of files, or denial of service, given the high impact ratings.
Mitigation details and patches are documented in the Patchstack advisory at https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/sala/vulnerability/wordpress-sala-theme-1-1-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve, which covers the vulnerability in the WordPress Sala theme up to version 1.1.6. Security practitioners should review this reference for specific remediation steps, such as updating the theme or applying vendor patches.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2025-27450
Vulnerability details
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in uxper Sala. This issue affects Sala: from n/a through 1.1.6.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Direct remote file inclusion in public-facing PHP/WordPress application enables exploitation of the web server for arbitrary code execution.
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Requires timely identification, reporting, and correction of the specific PHP remote file inclusion flaw in the uxper Sala WordPress theme through patching or updates.
Enforces validation of untrusted inputs such as filenames in PHP include/require statements to block malicious remote file inclusion.
Mandates secure configuration settings for PHP environments, such as disabling allow_url_include and enforcing open_basedir restrictions, to prevent remote file access.