CVE-2025-53437 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the ApusTheme Greenorganic WordPress theme, specifically due to improper control over the filename used in include or require statements. This vulnerability arises when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being passed to PHP's include or require functions. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the input to include arbitrary files from the local server, potentially leading to information disclosure, code execution, or further system compromise. The affected versions are all releases up to and including 2.45 of the Greenorganic theme. Although no public exploits have been reported, the nature of LFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or extract sensitive data. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, with no CVSS score assigned yet. The absence of patches means that affected sites remain vulnerable until mitigations or updates are applied. The vulnerability's exploitation does not necessarily require authentication, increasing its risk profile. Since WordPress themes are widely used in Europe, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to websites relying on Greenorganic for their front-end presentation and functionality.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive files such as configuration files, password stores, or application source code. This can result in data breaches, loss of customer trust, and regulatory penalties under GDPR. Additionally, attackers may execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full server compromise, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, healthcare, and finance are particularly at risk due to the sensitive nature of their data and the criticality of their online services. The impact extends beyond confidentiality to integrity and availability, as attackers could modify website content or disrupt services. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the widespread use of WordPress themes in Europe means the attack surface is large. The vulnerability could also be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value organizations or supply chain attacks if the theme is used by third-party service providers.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the use of the Greenorganic theme, especially versions up to 2.45. Until an official patch is released, organizations should consider disabling or removing the theme to eliminate exposure. If removal is not feasible, implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion to prevent malicious manipulation. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. Monitor web server logs for unusual access patterns or error messages related to file inclusion. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. Engage with the theme vendor or community to track patch releases and apply updates promptly. Additionally, restrict file permissions on the server to limit access to sensitive files and reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Conduct security awareness training for web administrators to recognize and respond to exploitation attempts.