CVE-2025-49362 is a vulnerability classified as improper control of filename for include/require statements in the PHP program AncoraThemes Gracioza, affecting versions up to 1.0.15. This vulnerability enables 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 PHP code. The root cause is insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input controlling file inclusion, allowing attackers to specify external URLs or local files that the application will include and execute. Exploitation requires no authentication but does require user interaction, such as visiting a crafted URL or triggering a request that exploits the vulnerable parameter. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.1, indicating high severity, with attack vector being network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but user interaction required (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality and integrity is high (C:H/I:H), while availability is not affected (A:N). Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, data theft, and potential full compromise of the web server hosting the vulnerable theme. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. AncoraThemes Gracioza is a WordPress theme, and WordPress remains widely used across Europe, increasing the potential attack surface. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by administrators.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using the AncoraThemes Gracioza theme, particularly those running WordPress installations. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including customer information and internal files, and allow attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. This can result in website defacement, data breaches, insertion of backdoors, and pivoting to other internal systems. The high confidentiality and integrity impact can damage organizational reputation, lead to regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and cause financial losses. Since the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without authentication, attackers can target vulnerable sites en masse, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. The requirement for user interaction (e.g., clicking a malicious link) slightly reduces the risk but does not eliminate it, especially in phishing-prone environments. European organizations with public-facing WordPress sites using this theme are particularly vulnerable, including e-commerce, government, and media sectors.

1. Monitor AncoraThemes official channels for patches and apply updates to Gracioza theme immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configuration to prevent remote file inclusion. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion, ensuring only expected filenames or paths are accepted. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious include/require patterns and remote file inclusion attempts. 5. Restrict file permissions on the web server to limit the ability of PHP processes to access unauthorized files. 6. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom themes and plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. 7. Educate users and administrators about phishing and social engineering risks to reduce successful user interaction exploitation. 8. Consider isolating WordPress instances in containerized or sandboxed environments to limit impact of potential compromise.