CVE-2025-53433 is a critical vulnerability classified as Remote File Inclusion (RFI) in the AncoraThemes EasyEat WordPress theme up to version 1.9.0. The root cause is improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to specify a remote file to be included and executed by the web server. This vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, defacement, or denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects its critical nature, with attack vector being network, no privileges or user interaction required, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability is straightforward to exploit by sending crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the vulnerable parameter. The affected product, EasyEat, is a popular theme used in restaurant and food service websites built on WordPress, which is widely deployed across Europe. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and insecure file inclusion, a common and dangerous web application security flaw. Attackers exploiting this flaw can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server user, potentially escalating privileges further if server misconfigurations exist.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53433 is severe. Exploitation can lead to complete compromise of affected web servers hosting EasyEat-based websites, resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and internal systems. The integrity of websites can be compromised, leading to defacement or distribution of malware to visitors, damaging brand reputation and customer trust. Availability may be disrupted through denial-of-service conditions or ransomware deployment. Given the widespread use of WordPress and PHP-based CMS in Europe, especially in sectors like hospitality, retail, and small-to-medium enterprises, the attack surface is significant. Compromised systems could also serve as pivot points for lateral movement within corporate networks or as platforms for launching further attacks. Regulatory implications under GDPR are notable, as data breaches involving personal data could lead to substantial fines and legal consequences. The lack of authentication or user interaction required for exploitation increases the risk of automated mass scanning and exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable EasyEat installations across Europe.

Immediate mitigation steps include conducting an inventory of all EasyEat theme installations and identifying versions up to 1.9.0. Organizations should monitor vendor channels for official patches and apply them promptly once released. In the absence of patches, temporarily disabling or removing the vulnerable theme is advisable. Web application firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion parameters, particularly those containing remote URLs or directory traversal sequences. Code audits should be performed to ensure that all include/require statements validate and sanitize input parameters rigorously, ideally using whitelisting approaches. Restricting PHP configurations such as disabling allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen can reduce the risk of remote file inclusion. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the impact of any successful compromise. Regular backups and incident response plans should be updated to prepare for potential exploitation scenarios. Finally, user awareness and monitoring of web server logs for anomalous activity can aid early detection.