CVE-2025-53430 is a vulnerability classified as improper control of filename for include/require statements in the PHP-based AncoraThemes Etta theme, affecting versions up to and including 1.14.0. This vulnerability enables remote file inclusion (RFI), a critical security flaw where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require functions to load malicious external code. The root cause is insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input controlling the file path, allowing an attacker to specify a remote URL or local file path. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution on the web server, resulting in full compromise of the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, indicating high severity, with attack vector being network (remote), no privileges required, no user interaction needed, but with high attack complexity. The impact covers confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers can execute malicious scripts, steal sensitive data, modify content, or disrupt services. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and severity make it a significant risk for websites using the Etta theme. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, suggesting recent discovery and disclosure. AncoraThemes Etta is a WordPress theme used by various organizations for website presentation, making this a relevant threat to web-facing infrastructure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53430 can be severe. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution on web servers hosting the Etta theme, resulting in data breaches, defacement, or service outages. Confidential customer or business data stored or processed by the affected websites may be exposed or altered. Attackers could use compromised servers as pivot points for lateral movement within corporate networks, escalating the threat beyond the web layer. The disruption of web services can damage organizational reputation and lead to regulatory non-compliance, especially under GDPR, which mandates protection of personal data. Given the high CVSS score and the lack of required authentication, the threat is particularly acute for public-facing websites. Organizations relying on Etta for critical web presence or e-commerce may face operational and financial losses if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2025-53430, organizations should: 1) Monitor AncoraThemes and official sources for patches and apply updates to Etta theme versions beyond 1.14.0 as soon as they are released. 2) Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion to prevent injection of malicious paths. 3) Disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion. 4) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting RFI attack patterns to block malicious requests. 5) Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom themes or plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. 6) Restrict file permissions on web servers to limit the impact of potential code execution. 7) Use network segmentation to isolate web servers from sensitive internal systems. 8) Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect suspicious activity early. These measures combined reduce the attack surface and improve detection and response capabilities.