CVE-2025-69356 in TheGem Theme Elements
Summary
by MITRE • 01/06/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in CodexThemes TheGem Theme Elements (for Elementor) thegem-elements-elementor allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects TheGem Theme Elements (for Elementor): from n/a through <= 5.11.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-69356 represents a critical improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP applications, specifically affecting the CodexThemes TheGem Theme Elements for Elementor plugin. This flaw constitutes a classic PHP Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate the include/require functions to execute arbitrary PHP code from remote locations. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of file inclusion parameters, where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being used in PHP's include or require operations. The affected version range indicates that all versions up to and including 5.11.0 are susceptible to this attack vector, suggesting a widespread exposure across multiple plugin installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input that is subsequently used in PHP include/require statements. When the plugin processes requests that involve file inclusion operations, it accepts parameters containing file paths or URLs without adequate sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject malicious file paths or URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper control of filename for include or require statements, and specifically relates to CWE-88, which addresses improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command. The attack can be executed by manipulating parameters that control which files are included, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full control over the compromised WordPress installation, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the TheGem Theme Elements plugin is installed, making it a high-value target for automated attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 5.11.1 or later, where the issue has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization. Administrators should implement network-level restrictions to prevent outbound connections to suspicious domains and monitor for unusual file inclusion patterns in server logs. The implementation of PHP's safe_mode restrictions and disabling of allow_url_include directives can provide additional layers of defense. Security measures should include regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, highlighting the attack patterns that leverage this specific weakness. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege for web server processes and ensure that file inclusion operations are properly validated against a whitelist of acceptable files to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future.