CVE-2025-53431 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the AncoraThemes Emberlyn WordPress theme, versions up to 1.3.1. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. This lack of proper validation allows an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. Such an attack can lead to sensitive information disclosure, including configuration files, source code, or other critical data. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution if the attacker can include files containing malicious code or upload files to the server. The vulnerability is classified as a PHP Remote File Inclusion type but is specifically a Local File Inclusion due to the nature of the flaw. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits are publicly available. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025. AncoraThemes has not yet released a patch or mitigation guidance, so affected users must monitor for updates or apply manual mitigations. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity of affected systems and can lead to significant compromise if exploited.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using the Emberlyn theme, particularly those running WordPress installations without timely updates or security controls. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data such as credentials, configuration files, and internal documents. In worst cases, attackers could execute arbitrary code on the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise, lateral movement, or defacement of websites. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR breaches), and cause operational disruptions. The risk is heightened for organizations in sectors with high web exposure such as e-commerce, media, and public services. Since WordPress is widely used across Europe, the scope of affected systems is broad, increasing the potential impact. The absence of authentication requirements and the ease of exploitation through crafted HTTP requests make this vulnerability particularly dangerous.

1. Immediately monitor AncoraThemes announcements and apply official patches as soon as they become available. 2. Until a patch is released, implement manual code review and hardening by sanitizing and validating all inputs used in include/require statements to restrict file paths to safe directories only. 3. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block attempts to exploit LFI vulnerabilities, such as suspicious URL patterns or directory traversal sequences. 4. Restrict file permissions on the web server to limit access to sensitive files and directories, reducing the potential impact of file inclusion. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on WordPress themes and plugins to detect similar issues proactively. 6. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation. 7. Consider isolating WordPress environments or using containerization to limit the blast radius of a potential compromise.