CVE-2025-49363 is a vulnerability classified as Remote File Inclusion (RFI) in the AncoraThemes Kings & Queens WordPress theme, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.1.16. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files, potentially from remote sources, leading to remote code execution on the server hosting the vulnerable theme. The vulnerability is categorized as PHP Local File Inclusion but can be exploited remotely if the application does not properly sanitize input. This can enable attackers to execute malicious PHP code, steal sensitive data, modify website content, or pivot further into the network. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, with no CVSS score assigned yet and no known exploits in the wild. The affected product is a WordPress theme, which is widely used in websites, increasing the attack surface. The lack of patch links indicates that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected web servers and their hosted applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-49363 can be severe. Many businesses and institutions in Europe rely on WordPress for their web presence, including e-commerce, media, and government sites. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, defacement of websites, disruption of services, and use of compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within corporate networks. The breach of confidentiality could result in GDPR violations with significant fines. Integrity loss could damage brand reputation and trust. Availability impacts could disrupt business operations and customer interactions. Since the vulnerability allows remote code execution without authentication, attackers can exploit it at scale, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the threat remains critical due to the nature of the vulnerability.

1. Monitor AncoraThemes and WordPress security advisories for official patches and apply them immediately upon release. 2. Until patches are available, disable or remove the Kings & Queens theme if it is not essential. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths. 4. Configure PHP settings to disable allow_url_include and restrict include_path to trusted directories only. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. 6. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom themes and plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. 7. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to recover quickly in case of compromise. 8. Limit file permissions on the web server to prevent unauthorized file modifications. 9. Educate web administrators on secure theme management and the risks of using outdated or untrusted themes.