CVE-2025-54701 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP programs. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the ThemeMove Unicamp product up to version 2.6.3. The flaw allows an attacker to perform a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) attack by manipulating the filename parameter used in include or require statements. This can lead to the inclusion and execution of arbitrary files on the server, potentially resulting in full system compromise. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, but it has a high attack complexity, indicating that exploitation may require specific conditions or knowledge about the target environment. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Successful exploitation can allow attackers to read sensitive files, execute arbitrary PHP code, and disrupt service availability. No known public exploits have been reported yet, and no patches are currently linked, suggesting that organizations using affected versions should prioritize mitigation efforts. The vulnerability is particularly critical because PHP applications often run with web server privileges, and improper input validation in include/require statements is a common vector for remote code execution and privilege escalation attacks.

For European organizations using ThemeMove Unicamp, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, including personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in legal and financial consequences. The ability to execute arbitrary code could allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors, move laterally within networks, and disrupt business operations through denial of service. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, organizations could face data breaches, service outages, and reputational damage. Sectors such as education, government, and enterprises that rely on Unicamp for web content management or other PHP-based services are particularly vulnerable. The lack of available patches increases the urgency for implementing compensating controls to prevent exploitation.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to vulnerable PHP scripts by IP whitelisting or network segmentation to limit exposure. 2. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious include/require parameter manipulations. 3. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters to ensure only safe, expected filenames are processed. 4. Disable remote file inclusion and limit PHP include paths to trusted directories using php.ini directives such as 'allow_url_include=Off' and 'open_basedir'. 5. Monitor logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or errors indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Engage with ThemeMove or the community to obtain patches or updates as soon as they become available and plan for prompt deployment. 7. Consider temporary removal or replacement of the Unicamp component if feasible until a secure version is released. 8. Educate development and operations teams about secure coding practices related to file inclusion to prevent similar vulnerabilities.