CVE-2025-58879 is a vulnerability classified as a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) issue affecting the AncoraThemes Festy theme up to version 1.13.0. The root cause is improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary files from the server. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive files such as configuration files, source code, or credentials, and potentially enable remote code execution if the attacker can include files containing malicious code or upload files to the server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the filename parameter, which should be strictly controlled or whitelisted. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of LFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers, especially in web hosting environments where PHP themes like Festy are deployed. The vulnerability affects websites using the Festy theme, which is popular among WordPress users for event and festival-related sites. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on impact and exploitability factors. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, and can lead to significant confidentiality and integrity breaches, it is considered high severity. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025, but no patches or mitigations have been officially released yet, increasing the urgency for organizations to audit their systems and apply custom mitigations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-58879 can be severe. Organizations running websites with the Festy theme are at risk of having sensitive internal files disclosed, which could include database credentials, API keys, or internal configuration details. This can lead to further compromise, including unauthorized access to backend systems or data breaches affecting customer data. The ability to include arbitrary files can also be leveraged to execute malicious code remotely, potentially resulting in full server takeover, defacement, or use of the server as part of a botnet. This is particularly critical for businesses in sectors such as e-commerce, event management, and media that rely on the affected theme for their online presence. Additionally, the reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches in Europe can be significant. The absence of known exploits currently provides a small window for mitigation, but the ease of exploitation and the widespread use of PHP-based CMS platforms in Europe increase the risk of imminent attacks.

1. Immediate code audit: Review all include/require statements in the Festy theme code to ensure filenames are strictly validated and sanitized. 2. Implement a whitelist approach: Restrict included files to a predefined set of safe files or directories, preventing arbitrary file inclusion. 3. Apply least privilege: Ensure the web server user has minimal permissions to limit file access scope. 4. Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests attempting to manipulate include parameters. 5. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block LFI attack patterns targeting PHP include parameters. 6. Isolate the affected web applications in segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement risk. 7. Stay updated with AncoraThemes announcements and apply official patches immediately once released. 8. Consider temporary disabling or replacing the Festy theme if patching is delayed. 9. Conduct penetration testing focusing on file inclusion vulnerabilities to identify any residual risks. 10. Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation.