CVE-2025-53448 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the Rally theme developed by axiomthemes up to version 1.1. The vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require statements, enabling Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI). This means an attacker can trick the application into loading malicious code from a remote server or sensitive local files, leading to arbitrary code execution on the server. The root cause is insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input that determines the file path for inclusion. Exploiting this vulnerability does not require authentication, and no user interaction is needed beyond sending crafted HTTP requests. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability is highly critical due to the potential for full system compromise, data theft, or website defacement. The affected product, Rally, is a PHP-based theme likely used in WordPress or similar CMS environments, which are common in web hosting environments. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in December 2025, but no patch links are currently available, indicating that users must implement manual mitigations or await vendor updates. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an expert severity assessment based on the impact and exploitability factors.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53448 can be severe. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of web servers hosting the vulnerable Rally theme. This can result in data breaches, defacement of websites, deployment of malware or ransomware, and pivoting to internal networks. Organizations relying on Rally for customer-facing websites or internal portals may suffer reputational damage and operational disruption. Given the widespread use of PHP and WordPress-based themes in Europe, especially in sectors like e-commerce, media, and public services, the risk is amplified. Furthermore, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value entities or critical infrastructure. The lack of authentication requirement and ease of exploitation increase the likelihood of automated scanning and exploitation attempts. Without timely mitigation, European entities face increased exposure to cyber espionage, data theft, and service outages.

To mitigate CVE-2025-53448, organizations should immediately audit all instances of the Rally theme and any custom PHP code that uses include or require statements with user-controlled input. Implement strict input validation and sanitization to ensure only allowed filenames or paths are processed. Disable PHP's allow_url_include directive to prevent remote file inclusion. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests containing file path traversal or remote URLs. If possible, isolate the affected applications in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement. Stay alert for vendor updates or patches from axiomthemes and apply them promptly once available. Consider replacing Rally with alternative themes or frameworks that follow secure coding practices. Additionally, conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities.