CVE-2025-53448 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the Rally theme developed by axiomthemes, affecting versions up to 1.1. The vulnerability stems from 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 server. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, defacement, or denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 reflects a high severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability is critical due to the nature of RFI attacks, which are often automated and can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. The vulnerability affects Rally theme users who deploy PHP-based web applications, commonly in CMS environments like WordPress. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement temporary mitigations and monitor for suspicious activity. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53448 can be severe. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution on web servers running the vulnerable Rally theme, resulting in data breaches, website defacement, or service disruption. Confidential customer data and internal information could be exposed or altered, damaging organizational reputation and potentially violating GDPR regulations. The availability of affected systems could be compromised, impacting business continuity and causing financial losses. Given the high prevalence of PHP-based web applications and WordPress themes in Europe, many organizations, especially SMEs relying on third-party themes, are at risk. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely and at scale, increasing the threat landscape. Additionally, sectors with critical web presence such as e-commerce, government portals, and media outlets are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the risk of rapid exploitation once proof-of-concept code emerges is high.

Organizations should immediately inventory their web applications to identify any use of the Rally theme by axiomthemes, particularly versions up to 1.1. Until an official patch is released, apply the following mitigations: 1) Disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion; 2) Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence include/require statements; 3) Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts; 4) Restrict file system permissions to limit the web server's ability to include files from unauthorized locations; 5) Monitor web server logs for anomalous requests targeting include parameters; 6) Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme if feasible; 7) Stay alert for patches or updates from axiomthemes and apply them promptly once available. Additionally, conduct security awareness training for developers to avoid unsafe coding practices related to dynamic file inclusion.