CVE-2025-49935 is a vulnerability identified in the xtemos WoodMart WordPress theme, affecting all versions prior to 8.3.2. The issue arises from improper validation and control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, which are critical functions that incorporate external files into PHP scripts. This vulnerability enables Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI), where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary files from the local server or remote locations. Exploiting this flaw requires the attacker to have at least low-level privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction is necessary (UI:N), and the attack can be performed remotely over the network (AV:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:L/I:L/A:L) of the affected systems, as attackers could execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive data, or disrupt service. The scope is considered changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability's characteristics and high CVSS score (7.4) indicate a serious risk. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in October 2025, indicating recent discovery. WoodMart is a popular premium WordPress theme used widely for e-commerce and business websites, making this vulnerability relevant for many organizations relying on WordPress ecosystems. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure suggests urgency in applying updates once released. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices around file inclusion and input validation in PHP applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-49935 can be significant, especially for those operating e-commerce, corporate, or content-heavy websites using the WoodMart theme. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to deploy web shells, steal customer data, or manipulate website content. This can result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches, and operational disruptions. The ability to execute code remotely without user interaction increases the risk of automated attacks and widespread exploitation. Organizations with limited security monitoring or delayed patch management are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as launchpads for further attacks within corporate networks or to distribute malware to visitors. The potential for service disruption also affects business continuity and customer trust. Given the widespread use of WordPress and WoodMart in Europe, the threat could affect a broad range of sectors including retail, finance, and media.

1. Immediately update the WoodMart theme to version 8.3.2 or later once patches are available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Until patches are applied, restrict file inclusion paths by configuring PHP settings such as open_basedir to limit accessible directories. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters that control file inclusion to prevent manipulation. 4. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting suspicious file inclusion attempts and anomalous HTTP requests. 5. Conduct thorough security audits and code reviews of customizations or plugins interacting with WoodMart to identify similar vulnerabilities. 6. Monitor web server logs and intrusion detection systems for unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit file inclusion. 7. Educate development and IT teams about secure coding practices related to file handling in PHP. 8. Consider isolating WordPress instances and limiting permissions to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. 9. Maintain regular backups of website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery if compromise occurs.