CVE-2025-49369 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in AncoraThemes Lettuce, a PHP-based theme product, affecting versions up to and including 1.1.7. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, such as configuration files, source code, or credentials, and potentially enable remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. The issue is classified as a PHP Remote File Inclusion type but specifically manifests as Local File Inclusion due to the nature of the vulnerability. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been reported, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and considered exploitable without authentication. The flaw affects web applications using the Lettuce theme, which is commonly deployed in PHP content management systems or custom PHP applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting HTTP requests that manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files, leading to significant security risks. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The lack of patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation steps by affected users.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-49369 can be substantial. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive internal files, including configuration files containing database credentials or API keys, resulting in data breaches. Attackers may also leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code if they can upload malicious files or combine it with other vulnerabilities, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can disrupt business operations, cause reputational damage, and result in regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data exposure. Organizations relying on AncoraThemes Lettuce for their web presence or internal applications are at risk, especially those with limited security monitoring or outdated patch management. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, making automated scanning and exploitation feasible by attackers. The impact extends to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, with potential lateral movement within networks after initial compromise.

1. Immediately audit all web applications using AncoraThemes Lettuce and identify affected versions (<= 1.1.7). 2. Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available; monitor AncoraThemes and Patchstack advisories closely. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters controlling file inclusion to prevent manipulation. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block attempts to exploit LFI vulnerabilities, including suspicious file path traversal patterns. 5. Restrict PHP include paths and disable allow_url_include in PHP configurations to reduce risk. 6. Conduct code reviews to replace dynamic include/require statements with safer alternatives or whitelist-based file inclusion. 7. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests targeting file inclusion parameters. 8. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion. 9. Consider isolating or containerizing web applications to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 10. Regularly backup critical data and test incident response plans to prepare for potential breaches.