CVE-2025-58890 in Playful 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 Playful playful allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Playful: from n/a through <= 1.19.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2025
The CVE-2025-58890 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the AncoraThemes Playful WordPress theme, specifically impacting versions through 1.19.0. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which addresses improper control of filename for include/require statements, making it a classic example of insecure direct object reference in web applications. The flaw exists in how the theme handles user-supplied input when processing include or require statements, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for local file inclusion attacks, where malicious actors can manipulate the include path to load and execute local files that should otherwise remain protected. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to potentially access sensitive server files, execute malicious code, or escalate their privileges within the compromised system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Playful theme fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in include or require PHP functions. Attackers can craft malicious requests that manipulate the filename parameter, allowing them to specify arbitrary local file paths that will be included and executed by the PHP interpreter. This weakness enables attackers to leverage the theme's functionality to load local files, potentially including system configuration files, database credentials, or even malicious payloads that could be stored on the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core level of PHP execution, where legitimate include statements can be subverted to load attacker-controlled content, effectively bypassing normal access controls and security boundaries that should protect the server's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with significant control over the compromised WordPress environment. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify content, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the server. The vulnerability affects not just the theme's functionality but potentially the entire WordPress installation, as the include mechanism can be leveraged to access and manipulate core WordPress files or other installed plugins and themes. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple themes and plugins are installed, as it could provide attackers with a foothold to escalate privileges or move laterally within the system. The attack surface is amplified because the vulnerability exists in a widely used theme, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools and increasing the potential for widespread impact across affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-58890 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Playful theme to version 1.20.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization of include parameters. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious include requests targeting known vulnerable patterns. Additionally, hardening measures including disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration, implementing proper input validation at all entry points, and conducting regular security audits of installed themes and plugins should be enforced. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect unusual include patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly updating all WordPress components to minimize the attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other parts of the web application stack.