CVE-2025-58928 is a vulnerability classified as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program,' commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) flaw, found in the axiomthemes Heart PHP theme up to version 1.8. This vulnerability arises when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to specify a remote file URL that the server will include and execute. This can lead to remote code execution, enabling attackers to run arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1, indicating high severity, with the vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning it is remotely exploitable over the network without privileges or user interaction but requires high attack complexity. The flaw compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability by allowing attackers to execute malicious code, potentially leading to data theft, defacement, or denial of service. No known public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be treated as critical. The affected product is the Heart theme by axiomthemes, a PHP-based theme likely used in WordPress or similar CMS environments. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to web servers running the affected Heart theme, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers could execute arbitrary code remotely, resulting in data breaches, website defacement, or service disruption. Organizations handling sensitive personal data under GDPR may face regulatory penalties if exploited. The impact extends to loss of customer trust, financial damage, and operational downtime. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, any public-facing web server using the affected theme is at risk. The high attack complexity somewhat limits exploitation but does not eliminate the threat, especially from skilled attackers or automated scanning tools. European entities relying on PHP-based CMS platforms with this theme are particularly vulnerable, and the threat landscape may evolve rapidly once exploit code becomes available. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense but should not lead to complacency.

1. Monitor axiomthemes official channels for patches and apply updates immediately once available. 2. In the interim, disable remote file inclusion by setting 'allow_url_include=Off' in the PHP configuration to prevent inclusion of remote files. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters used in include or require statements to ensure only trusted local files are referenced. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 5. Conduct code audits to identify and remediate unsafe dynamic file inclusion patterns in custom or third-party code. 6. Restrict web server permissions to limit the impact of potential code execution. 7. Use security headers and disable unnecessary PHP functions that could facilitate exploitation. 8. Regularly scan web applications with vulnerability scanners to detect similar issues proactively. 9. Educate development and operations teams about secure coding practices related to file inclusion. 10. Maintain comprehensive backups and incident response plans to recover quickly if exploitation occurs.