The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-58936 affects the axiomthemes Catamaran WordPress theme, specifically versions up to and including 1.15. It is classified as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability caused by improper validation and control over filenames used in PHP include or require statements. In PHP, these statements are used to incorporate external files into the execution context. If an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter without proper sanitization or validation, they can supply a remote URL or local file path, causing the server to include and execute malicious code. This can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands, escalate privileges, steal sensitive data, or disrupt service availability. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication or user interaction, making exploitation straightforward if the vulnerable endpoint is accessible. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities historically leads to rapid exploitation once disclosed. The affected product, Catamaran, is a WordPress theme used to build websites, which means many websites could be vulnerable if they have not updated or applied mitigations. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and not yet fully assessed, but the technical characteristics suggest a high severity. The vulnerability was reserved in early September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or exploit indicators are currently available, so organizations must rely on best practices and monitoring until official fixes are released.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. Many businesses and public institutions in Europe rely on WordPress for their web presence, and themes like Catamaran are commonly used for their design and functionality. Exploitation of this RFI vulnerability can lead to full compromise of the web server, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive customer or organizational data, deface websites, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This can result in data breaches, reputational damage, regulatory fines under GDPR, and operational disruptions. Public sector websites, e-commerce platforms, and service providers are particularly at risk due to the critical nature of their online services. The ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, making automated scanning and exploitation possible. Additionally, the lack of patches at the time of disclosure means organizations must act quickly to implement interim controls. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, with potential cascading effects on business continuity and trust.

1. Immediate mitigation should include disabling or restricting the vulnerable include/require functionality if possible, by configuring PHP settings or applying code-level restrictions to prevent remote file inclusion. 2. Monitor web server logs and application logs for suspicious requests that attempt to manipulate include parameters or access unexpected URLs. 3. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block RFI attack patterns targeting PHP include statements. 4. Isolate WordPress installations using the Catamaran theme in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement if compromised. 5. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid restoration in case of compromise. 6. Once patches or updates are released by axiomthemes, apply them promptly to remove the vulnerability. 7. Conduct security audits and code reviews of customizations to the theme to ensure no additional insecure file inclusion practices exist. 8. Educate web administrators and developers about the risks of unsanitized input in file inclusion functions and enforce secure coding practices. 9. Consider using PHP configuration directives such as allow_url_include=Off to prevent remote file inclusion globally if compatible with the application. 10. Engage with threat intelligence sources to stay informed about emerging exploits or indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability.