CVE-2025-58885 in Pathfinder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/18/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in AncoraThemes Pathfinder pathfinder allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Pathfinder: from n/a through <= 1.16.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2025
The CVE-2025-58885 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the AncoraThemes Pathfinder theme, specifically affecting versions through 1.16. This vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code through local file inclusion techniques. The flaw exists within the theme's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into PHP include directives without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating file path parameters to load malicious files from local system directories, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 as improper control of filename for include/require statements, which directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server-side include attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Pathfinder theme processes user input through parameters that are subsequently used in PHP include or require functions. When an attacker can control the value passed to these functions, they can specify arbitrary local file paths, allowing execution of malicious code stored on the target server. This type of vulnerability typically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before using them in dynamic include statements. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to leverage legitimate system files or inject their own malicious code, potentially bypassing standard security controls that might protect against remote code execution through network-based attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and data exfiltration scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-58885 is severe for any WordPress installation utilizing the affected AncoraThemes Pathfinder theme. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server with the privileges of the web application. This vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the network. The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used WordPress theme, making numerous websites potentially vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations running affected versions should consider immediate remediation as the vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making it a high-priority target for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-58885 should prioritize immediate version updates to the latest stable release of the Pathfinder theme, which should contain patches addressing the improper include statement handling. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that any user-supplied parameters used in include/require statements are thoroughly validated against a whitelist of allowed values. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by configuring web server permissions to limit access to sensitive files and directories. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual file access patterns or unexpected include operations should be implemented. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all WordPress themes and plugins updated, as many vulnerabilities of this nature stem from outdated components within the WordPress ecosystem. Organizations should also consider implementing proper error handling and logging mechanisms to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.