CVE-2025-53453CWE-98

WordPress Hygia theme <= 1.16 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability

High · published December 18, 2025

CVSS v3.1
8.1
EPSS
1%
Percentile
44.3
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚡ A rogue file can slip in unnoticed! The improper control of filenames in axiomthemes Hygia lets attackers include files from the server — a sneaky backdoor to your system! 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant that accepts any delivery without checking the order — if a chef doesn’t verify what's being brought in, they could end up with dangerous items on the menu! An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to include arbitrary files, leading to unauthorized access or even complete control of the server. This could mean leaking sensitive data, executing malicious code, or bringing down your entire site — all through one poorly controlled filename!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant that accepts any delivery without checking the order — if a chef doesn’t verify what's being brought in, they could end up with dangerous items on the menu! This vulnerability arises from a lack of validation on the file paths in PHP's include/require statements, allowing attackers to reference local files indiscriminately. Specifically, it affects Hygia versions n/a through 1.16, making it a prime target for exploitation.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to include arbitrary files, leading to unauthorized access or even complete control of the server. This could mean leaking sensitive data, executing malicious code, or bringing down your entire site — all through one poorly controlled filename! Immediate action is required: update Hygia to the latest version beyond 1.16 to close this loophole. Additionally, review and sanitize any file inputs to ensure that only trusted files are accessed. Don't forget to monitor server logs for any suspicious activity! You've got this! By addressing this vulnerability, you can safeguard your applications and keep those cyber villains at bay! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
8.1 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.00535 · 44.3th percentile
Weakness
CWE-98 · Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion')
Published
2025-12-18T07:21Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 18 DEC 07:21Z
    WordPress Hygia theme <= 1.16 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
    cvelistv5