CVE-2025-58929 identifies a Remote File Inclusion vulnerability in the axiomthemes Pantry plugin for PHP-based web applications, specifically affecting versions up to 1.4. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to specify arbitrary files to be included and executed by the server. This can lead to Local File Inclusion (LFI) or Remote File Inclusion (RFI), where malicious code hosted remotely or sensitive local files can be executed or disclosed. The vulnerability is rooted in insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that controls file inclusion paths. Exploiting this flaw typically requires no authentication and can be triggered by sending crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint. The absence of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly published vulnerability (December 2025) with no public exploits yet. However, the impact of such vulnerabilities is often severe, as they can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoors. The Pantry plugin is used in WordPress environments, which are widely deployed across European organizations, especially in SMEs and content-driven websites. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, escalate privileges, and pivot within the affected network. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention to alternative mitigations. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025 by Patchstack, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-58929 can be significant. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to compromise web servers hosting the Pantry plugin. This can result in data breaches, defacement of websites, deployment of malware or ransomware, and lateral movement within corporate networks. Organizations relying on Pantry for content management or e-commerce may experience service outages and reputational damage. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited without authentication increases the attack surface, making internet-facing web servers particularly vulnerable. Given the widespread use of WordPress and associated themes/plugins in Europe, especially in countries with large digital economies like Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands, the risk is amplified. Additionally, sectors such as government, finance, and healthcare that use WordPress-based solutions could face regulatory and compliance repercussions if exploited. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid weaponization is high once exploit code becomes available.

1. Monitor official channels from axiomthemes and Patchstack for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters controlling file inclusion paths to prevent injection of malicious filenames. 3. Disable allow_url_include in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting file inclusion parameters. 5. Conduct code audits and penetration testing focusing on file inclusion mechanisms within the Pantry plugin and other custom PHP code. 6. Restrict file permissions on web servers to limit the impact of any file inclusion exploitation. 7. Isolate web servers running Pantry in segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement risk. 8. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises. 9. Educate development and security teams about secure coding practices related to file inclusion vulnerabilities.