CVE-2025-32288 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which involves improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP programs. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the stmcan RT-Theme 18 | Extensions product, versions up to 2.4. The issue allows for PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files on the server. This can lead to the execution of malicious code, disclosure of sensitive information, or further compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability arises because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in PHP include/require statements, enabling attackers to traverse directories or specify unintended files. The CVSS v3.1 score is 7.5, indicating a high severity with the vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack can be performed remotely over the network but requires high attack complexity and user interaction, with no privileges required. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers can read sensitive files, modify application behavior, or cause denial of service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, so mitigation relies on secure coding practices and configuration hardening. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is critical for organizations using RT-Theme 18 | Extensions to assess their exposure and apply mitigations promptly once patches become available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses significant risks, especially for those running websites or web applications based on the stmcan RT-Theme 18 | Extensions. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data such as configuration files, credentials, or personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in compliance violations and potential fines. Integrity of web applications can be compromised, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts or backdoors, which can be leveraged for further attacks such as phishing or lateral movement within networks. Availability may also be impacted if attackers cause application crashes or denial of service. The high attack complexity and requirement for user interaction somewhat limit the ease of exploitation, but targeted phishing or social engineering campaigns could facilitate this. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the public disclosure increases the likelihood of future exploitation attempts. Organizations in sectors with high web presence, such as e-commerce, media, and government services, are particularly at risk due to the potential reputational damage and operational disruption.

1. Immediate mitigation should include auditing all instances of RT-Theme 18 | Extensions to identify affected versions and isolate vulnerable systems. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data that may influence include or require statements, employing whitelisting of allowed filenames or paths. 3. Use PHP configuration directives such as open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to safe directories. 4. Disable allow_url_include in PHP configuration to prevent remote file inclusion vectors. 5. Monitor web server logs and application logs for suspicious requests that attempt directory traversal or unusual file inclusion patterns. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of phishing or social engineering that could trigger user interaction needed for exploitation. 7. Once available, promptly apply official patches or updates from stmcan for RT-Theme 18 | Extensions. 8. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block LFI attack patterns. 9. Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on file inclusion logic in PHP applications.