CVE-2025-14431 is a vulnerability classified as improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs, specifically affecting THEMELOGI's Navian theme up to version 1.5.4. This vulnerability allows Remote File Inclusion (RFI), where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require functions to load and execute arbitrary remote files. This occurs because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that determines which files are included. Exploiting this flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, defacement, or pivoting within the network. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and documented in the CVE database. The absence of a CVSS score indicates it is newly published and may not yet have undergone formal severity assessment. The vulnerability affects Navian versions up to 1.5.4, a PHP-based theme product by THEMELOGI, commonly used in WordPress or similar CMS environments. The root cause is insufficient input validation and lack of secure coding practices around dynamic file inclusion in PHP. Without proper controls, attackers can supply malicious URLs or file paths that the PHP interpreter will include and execute, bypassing authentication or authorization mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is critical in web applications due to the ease of exploitation and the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites and web applications using the Navian theme on PHP platforms. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of the web server, access sensitive data, modify or delete content, and disrupt services. This can result in data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, reputational damage, financial losses, and potential regulatory penalties. Public-facing websites, especially those handling customer data or providing critical services, are at heightened risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within corporate networks, increasing the scope of compromise. Given the widespread use of PHP and WordPress-based solutions in Europe, the impact can be broad, affecting sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the public disclosure increases the likelihood of future exploitation attempts.

1. Immediate upgrade to the latest version of THEMELOGI Navian theme beyond 1.5.4 once a patch is released by the vendor. 2. Until a patch is available, disable remote file inclusion in PHP by setting 'allow_url_include = Off' in php.ini and ensure 'allow_url_fopen' is also disabled if not required. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters used in include or require statements to allow only whitelisted, local file paths. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts and malicious payloads targeting PHP include functions. 5. Conduct thorough code reviews and security audits of custom themes and plugins to identify and remediate unsafe dynamic file inclusion. 6. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests containing suspicious file paths or URL parameters indicative of RFI attempts. 7. Isolate web servers and restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential code execution. 8. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and PHP configuration hardening.