CVE-2025-31060 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP programs. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the ApusTheme Capie product, versions up to 1.0.40. The flaw allows for PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), meaning an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in include or require statements to include unintended files from the local filesystem. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, disclosure of sensitive information, or server compromise. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, but it has a high attack complexity, indicating some conditions must be met for successful exploitation. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not have known exploits in the wild yet, but its presence in a widely used PHP theme component for websites makes it a significant risk. The absence of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or sanitization of input controlling the filename in include/require statements, allowing attackers to traverse directories or specify arbitrary files, potentially leading to remote code execution or data leakage.

For European organizations, particularly those running websites or web applications using the ApusTheme Capie theme, this vulnerability poses a serious risk. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including configuration files, credentials, or user data, undermining confidentiality. Integrity can be compromised if attackers execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially defacing websites, injecting malicious content, or pivoting to internal networks. Availability may also be affected if attackers disrupt services or cause application crashes. Given the widespread use of PHP-based CMS platforms and themes in Europe, organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media are at heightened risk. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication increases the attack surface, making public-facing web servers prime targets. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict data protection requirements, so breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to legal and financial penalties for European entities.

Organizations should immediately audit their web applications to identify usage of the ApusTheme Capie theme, especially versions up to 1.0.40. Until an official patch is released, practical mitigations include: 1) Implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting directory traversal or unusual include parameters. 2) Restricting PHP include paths and disabling allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configurations to limit file inclusion vectors. 3) Employing input validation and sanitization at the application level to ensure that filenames passed to include/require statements are strictly controlled and do not contain user input. 4) Isolating the web server environment with least privilege principles to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. 5) Monitoring logs for anomalous access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Preparing for rapid deployment of patches once available from ApusTheme or third-party security advisories. 7) Considering temporary removal or replacement of the vulnerable theme if feasible to reduce exposure.