CVE-2025-14429 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the ThemeMove AeroLand WordPress theme, affecting versions up to and including 1.6.6. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary local files on the server. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or credentials, and in some cases, may allow remote code execution if the attacker can upload malicious files or leverage other chained vulnerabilities. The flaw is due to insufficient input validation or sanitization of user-supplied data before it is used in file inclusion functions. Although no public exploits are currently documented, the vulnerability is critical because LFI issues are commonly exploited in web applications to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access. AeroLand is a WordPress theme used primarily for travel and tourism websites, and its user base includes small to medium enterprises. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2025 and published in January 2026, but no official patch or CVSS score has been released yet. The lack of a patch means affected sites remain vulnerable until mitigations are applied.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-14429 can be significant, especially for those relying on AeroLand for their public-facing websites. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including user information, internal configuration files, and potentially credentials stored on the server. This compromises confidentiality and may facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or remote code execution, threatening the integrity and availability of web services. Organizations in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and media, which often use AeroLand, may face reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational disruptions. The vulnerability could also be leveraged by attackers to establish persistent footholds or pivot to internal networks. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, the scope of affected systems could be substantial if AeroLand is widely deployed.

Immediate mitigation steps include auditing all WordPress sites for the use of the AeroLand theme and identifying affected versions (<=1.6.6). Since no official patch is currently available, organizations should consider temporarily disabling or replacing the theme with a secure alternative. Manual code review and modification can be performed to sanitize and validate all inputs used in include/require statements, ensuring only intended files can be included. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts can provide additional protection. Regular backups and monitoring for unusual file access or web server behavior are recommended. Organizations should subscribe to vendor advisories for updates and apply patches promptly once released. Additionally, restricting file permissions on the server to limit access to sensitive files can reduce the impact of exploitation.