CVE-2025-53445 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the axiomthemes Catwalk WordPress theme up to version 1.4. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit a Local File Inclusion (LFI) flaw by manipulating the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. Because the application does not properly validate or sanitize the input controlling the file path, attackers can cause the server to include unintended files. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive files such as configuration files, password files, or application source code. Additionally, attackers may execute arbitrary PHP code if they can upload malicious files or leverage other vulnerabilities, resulting in full system compromise. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects a high severity, with attack vector being network-based (AV:N), requiring no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), but with high attack complexity (AC:H). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk for affected installations. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No official patches or mitigations are currently linked, emphasizing the need for immediate attention by users of the Catwalk theme.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to websites using the axiomthemes Catwalk theme, which is popular among WordPress users. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including customer information and internal configuration files, potentially violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Attackers could also execute arbitrary code on the web server, leading to website defacement, malware distribution, or pivoting into internal networks. This can disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and result in financial losses. The high attack complexity somewhat limits exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially for skilled attackers targeting high-value organizations. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, particularly in Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands, the potential impact is considerable. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, and media are particularly at risk due to their reliance on web presence and sensitive data handling.

1. Immediately audit all WordPress installations for the presence of the axiomthemes Catwalk theme and identify versions up to 1.4. 2. Apply any official patches or updates released by axiomthemes as soon as they become available. 3. If patches are not yet available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Catwalk theme with a secure alternative. 4. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion paths to prevent manipulation. 5. Configure web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious requests attempting file inclusion attacks, such as those containing directory traversal sequences or unexpected file extensions. 6. Restrict PHP include paths and disable allow_url_include in PHP configuration to reduce risk of remote file inclusion. 7. Regularly monitor web server logs for anomalous access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Conduct security awareness training for web administrators to recognize and respond to exploitation signs. 9. Ensure backups are up to date and tested to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 10. Review and harden server permissions to limit the impact of any successful exploitation.