CVE-2025-53216 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which involves improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP programs. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the ThemeUniver Glamer product up to version 1.0.2. The flaw allows an attacker to perform a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) attack by manipulating the filename parameter that is used in include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. This can lead to the inclusion of arbitrary files from the local filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or credentials. Additionally, if the attacker can control the content of included files, it may lead to remote code execution or privilege escalation. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 indicates a high severity, with the vector string AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H meaning the attack can be performed remotely over the network without privileges or user interaction, but requires high attack complexity. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers can read sensitive files, modify application behavior, or cause denial of service. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations using Glamer should prioritize mitigation and monitoring. The vulnerability is particularly critical in web environments where Glamer is deployed, as PHP applications are often exposed to the internet and can be targeted by automated scanning and exploitation attempts.

For European organizations using ThemeUniver Glamer, this vulnerability poses significant risks. The ability to include arbitrary local files can lead to leakage of sensitive corporate data, including internal configuration files, database credentials, or user data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Furthermore, exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on web servers, potentially leading to full system compromise, lateral movement within networks, and disruption of business operations. This could impact sectors with high reliance on web applications such as e-commerce, media, and public sector services. The high severity and remote exploitability mean that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere, increasing the risk of widespread attacks. Additionally, the lack of available patches increases the window of exposure. Organizations may face reputational damage, regulatory fines, and operational downtime if exploited. The vulnerability also raises concerns for managed service providers hosting Glamer-based sites for European clients, as a compromise could cascade to multiple customers.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to vulnerable Glamer installations by implementing network-level controls such as IP whitelisting or web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious include/require parameter manipulations. 2. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-controllable parameters related to file inclusion to prevent injection of malicious paths. 3. Disable PHP functions that facilitate file inclusion from user input where possible, such as 'include', 'require', 'include_once', and 'require_once', or use secure coding practices to hardcode or whitelist allowed files. 4. Monitor web server logs and application logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit file inclusion, including requests with directory traversal sequences or unexpected parameters. 5. Segregate and limit file system permissions for the web server user to minimize the impact of any file inclusion exploitation, ensuring sensitive files are not accessible. 6. Engage with ThemeUniver for official patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools that can detect and block exploitation attempts in real time. 8. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding and configuration practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.