CVE-2025-69402 in R&F Theme Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/20/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX R&F rf allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects R&F: from n/a through <= 1.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical remote file inclusion weakness that exists within the ThemeREX R&F rf plugin, specifically targeting PHP applications that fail to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into include or require statements. This flaw creates an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system by manipulating file paths passed to PHP's include or require functions, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase, where user-provided parameters are directly used in file inclusion operations without proper filtering or verification. According to CWE-98, this corresponds to improper control of dynamic code generation, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as attackers can leverage this weakness through web interfaces to inject malicious file paths. The vulnerability manifests when the application accepts external input that determines which files to include, creating a pathway for attackers to reference local or remote files that contain malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected system. When combined with other exploitation techniques, this weakness can facilitate full system compromise, particularly in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects all versions of the R&F plugin from the initial release through version 1.5, indicating a long-standing issue that has not been adequately addressed.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of user-controllable variables from file inclusion operations. The recommended approach involves using allowlists for file inclusion, implementing strict path validation, and ensuring that all external input is properly escaped or filtered before being processed by PHP's include functions. Additionally, the use of PHP's open_basedir directive and disabling remote file inclusion through configuration settings can provide additional layers of protection against this class of vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts to system resources.