CVE-2025-58937 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the axiomthemes Tacticool WordPress theme up to version 1.0.13. This vulnerability allows Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI), where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require statements to load arbitrary files. This can lead to execution of malicious code, disclosure of sensitive files, or full compromise of the hosting web server. The root cause is insufficient validation or sanitization of user-controlled input that determines which files are included by the PHP application. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability is critical because RFI/LFI flaws are commonly exploited to gain unauthorized access or execute arbitrary commands remotely. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025, but no CVSS score or patches have yet been released. The affected product, Tacticool, is a WordPress theme developed by axiomthemes, which is used to customize website appearance and functionality. Attackers exploiting this flaw could upload or include malicious PHP scripts, leading to website defacement, data theft, or pivoting into internal networks. The lack of patches increases the urgency for temporary mitigations and monitoring. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices around file inclusion and input validation in PHP-based web applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-58937 can be severe. Many businesses and institutions rely on WordPress for their web presence, and themes like Tacticool are widely used for their flexibility and design. Exploitation could result in unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to take control of websites, steal sensitive customer or internal data, deploy malware, or use compromised sites as launchpads for further attacks. This can lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational disruptions. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on web platforms and the sensitivity of their data. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid weaponization remains high. Additionally, compromised websites can be used to distribute malware or phishing campaigns targeting European users, amplifying the threat beyond the initial breach.

1. Monitor official axiomthemes channels and Patchstack for any released patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-58937 and apply them immediately upon availability. 2. Until patches are released, implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters that control file inclusion, ideally by restricting allowed filenames to a whitelist. 3. Configure the web server and PHP environment to disable remote file inclusion by setting 'allow_url_include=Off' and 'allow_url_fopen=Off' in php.ini. 4. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts targeting the Tacticool theme. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of customizations made to the Tacticool theme to identify and remediate unsafe include/require usage. 6. Employ file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to theme files. 7. Limit the privileges of the web server user to minimize the impact of a successful exploit. 8. Educate site administrators on the risks of installing untrusted plugins or themes and encourage timely updates. 9. Maintain comprehensive backups of website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery if compromise occurs.