CVE-2025-58945 is a vulnerability identified in the EcoGrow WordPress theme developed by axiomthemes, affecting all versions up to and including 1.7. The issue stems from improper validation and control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, which enables a remote file inclusion (RFI) attack vector. In this context, an attacker can craft a malicious request that manipulates the filename parameter to include a remote PHP file hosted on an attacker-controlled server. When the vulnerable theme processes this request, it executes the attacker's PHP code within the context of the web server, leading to unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, making it exploitable over the network by any unauthenticated attacker. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 reflects the high impact on confidentiality (full disclosure or theft of sensitive data) and a moderate impact on integrity (code execution), while availability remains unaffected. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of WordPress themes make it a critical concern. The lack of official patches or updates at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement mitigations. This vulnerability can be leveraged to deploy web shells, pivot within networks, or exfiltrate sensitive information from compromised servers.

For European organizations, especially those relying on WordPress websites using the EcoGrow theme, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or internal business information, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely can also facilitate further attacks such as lateral movement, ransomware deployment, or defacement of public-facing websites, damaging brand reputation and customer trust. Organizations in sectors like e-commerce, media, and public services, which often use WordPress themes for content management, are particularly vulnerable. The lack of authentication requirement and remote exploitability means attackers can scan and compromise vulnerable sites en masse, increasing the likelihood of widespread incidents. Additionally, compromised websites may be used as launchpads for attacks against other internal systems or third parties, amplifying the overall impact.

Immediate mitigation steps include: 1) Updating the EcoGrow theme to a patched version once available from axiomthemes; 2) If no official patch exists, temporarily disabling the theme or replacing it with a secure alternative; 3) Implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious requests attempting to manipulate include parameters or containing remote URLs; 4) Conducting thorough input validation and sanitization on any user-controllable parameters related to file inclusion; 5) Restricting PHP configuration to disable remote file inclusion (e.g., setting 'allow_url_include' to 'Off' in php.ini); 6) Monitoring web server logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to include remote files; 7) Performing regular security audits and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities; 8) Ensuring backups are up-to-date and tested for recovery in case of compromise. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on theme-specific controls and PHP environment hardening.