CVE-2025-49261 in Diza Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/17/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in thembay Diza allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Diza: from n/a through 1.3.8.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2025
The CVE-2025-49261 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that enables attackers to manipulate include/require statements within the thembay Diza theme. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters passed to PHP's include or require functions, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw exists in the Diza theme version range from an unspecified starting point through version 1.3.8, making a significant portion of installations potentially vulnerable. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as improper control of filename for include/require statements, which directly enables local file inclusion attacks through remote code execution capabilities. This weakness allows malicious actors to leverage the theme's file inclusion mechanisms to access and execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Diza theme fails to properly sanitize user input passed to PHP include/require functions. Attackers can manipulate parameters that control which files are included, potentially redirecting the execution flow to load malicious files from remote servers or local system directories. The vulnerability specifically affects the theme's handling of filename parameters in its core functionality, where user-supplied data is directly concatenated into include statements without proper validation or sanitization. This flaw creates a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting malicious input that gets processed through the vulnerable include/require mechanism, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the theme's core functionality, making it difficult to patch without updating the entire theme or implementing workarounds in the application code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data breach potential. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious software. The vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and persistent access, as attackers can establish backdoors or web shells that maintain access across system reboots. Organizations using affected versions of the Diza theme face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and move laterally within the network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when multiple applications share the same server resources, as exploitation can potentially affect other applications or systems hosted on the same infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-49261 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Diza theme to version 1.3.9 or later, as provided by the theme developer. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures at all points where user data is processed, particularly in file inclusion mechanisms. The implementation of proper file access controls and restrictions on include paths can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security configurations should disable remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP settings through the use of allow_url_include=Off directive. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious file inclusion patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other themes or plugins. The implementation of principle of least privilege for file system access and proper logging of file operations can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely application of security updates across all affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls.