CVE-2025-49296 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability (CWE-35) affecting Mikado-Themes GrandPrix, a WordPress theme product. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to perform PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) by exploiting improper validation of user-supplied input that is used to construct file paths. Specifically, the flaw enables attackers to traverse directories and include arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to disclosure of sensitive information, execution of arbitrary PHP code, and full compromise of the affected web server. The vulnerability impacts all versions of GrandPrix up to 1.6, with no patch currently available. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, no privileges or user interaction required, but high attack complexity. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of WordPress themes make it a significant risk. The lack of a patch increases the urgency for mitigation. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient sanitization of file path parameters, allowing directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../) to access files outside the intended directories. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of configuration files, source code, or even remote code execution if attacker-controlled files are included. This vulnerability is critical for websites using the GrandPrix theme, especially those handling sensitive user data or critical business functions.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, particularly for businesses relying on WordPress websites with the GrandPrix theme for marketing, e-commerce, or customer engagement. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or internal configuration files, resulting in data breaches and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The ability to execute arbitrary code could allow attackers to pivot within the network, deploy ransomware, or disrupt services, impacting availability and business continuity. Small and medium enterprises using this theme without dedicated security teams are especially vulnerable. The reputational damage and potential financial penalties from data breaches could be severe. Additionally, sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often have stringent data protection requirements, could face heightened risks if their web presence uses this vulnerable theme. The lack of a patch means organizations must rely on immediate mitigations to reduce exposure until a fix is released.

Given the absence of an official patch, European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Immediately audit all WordPress installations to identify the use of the GrandPrix theme and its version. 2) Temporarily disable or remove the GrandPrix theme from production environments if feasible. 3) Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block path traversal attempts targeting the theme’s vulnerable parameters, focusing on directory traversal patterns like '../'. 4) Restrict file system permissions for the web server user to the minimum necessary, preventing access to sensitive files outside the web root. 5) Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests indicative of path traversal or LFI attempts. 6) Isolate affected web servers from critical internal networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 7) Educate web administrators on the risks and signs of exploitation. 8) Plan for rapid patch deployment once an official fix is released by Mikado-Themes. 9) Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect and block malicious file inclusion attempts in real time.