CVE-2025-25691 is a deserialization vulnerability affecting the /themes/import component of PrestaShop version 8.2.0. The vulnerability arises from insecure handling of PHAR (PHP Archive) files during deserialization processes triggered by crafted POST requests. PHAR deserialization vulnerabilities occur when untrusted input is deserialized without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious serialized objects. In this case, an attacker can send a specially crafted POST request containing a malicious PHAR payload to the /themes/import endpoint, which processes theme import functionality. Exploiting this vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution on the server hosting the PrestaShop instance. This could allow attackers to take full control over the affected system, execute commands, manipulate data, or pivot further into the network. The vulnerability is specific to PrestaShop 8.2.0, a popular open-source e-commerce platform widely used by online retailers to manage their storefronts, products, and transactions. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits are currently known in the wild. However, the nature of PHAR deserialization vulnerabilities typically implies a high risk due to the direct code execution capability they provide. The attack vector is a crafted POST request, meaning the attacker must be able to send HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint, which is usually exposed on the internet for legitimate theme import operations. No authentication requirements are explicitly stated, so if the endpoint is accessible without authentication, the risk is significantly higher. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps by affected organizations.

For European organizations using PrestaShop 8.2.0, this vulnerability poses a critical risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their e-commerce platforms. Successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise, including theft of customer data (personal and payment information), unauthorized modification of product listings and prices, disruption of online sales operations, and potential use of the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within the corporate network. Given the reliance of many small and medium-sized European retailers on PrestaShop for their online presence, the impact could be widespread, affecting business continuity and customer trust. Additionally, compromised systems could be used to distribute malware or conduct fraud, amplifying reputational and financial damage. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a limited window for proactive defense, but the vulnerability’s severity and ease of exploitation via HTTP requests make it a high-priority threat. Regulatory compliance risks also arise, as breaches involving customer data could trigger GDPR violations with substantial fines.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the /themes/import endpoint, ideally limiting it to trusted administrators or internal networks only, using web application firewalls (WAFs) or network access controls. 2. Monitor HTTP traffic for unusual POST requests targeting the /themes/import path, employing intrusion detection systems (IDS) or security information and event management (SIEM) tools to detect potential exploitation attempts. 3. Disable or remove theme import functionality if not actively used, reducing the attack surface. 4. Apply strict input validation and sanitization on all data processed by the /themes/import component to prevent malicious PHAR payloads from being deserialized. 5. Stay alert for official patches or security advisories from PrestaShop and apply updates promptly once available. 6. Conduct thorough security audits and penetration testing focusing on deserialization vulnerabilities and other input handling flaws. 7. Implement robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize damage in case of compromise. 8. Educate administrators about the risks of deserialization attacks and the importance of secure configuration.