CVE-2025-58950 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the axiomthemes Lione WordPress theme, specifically in versions up to 1.16. The vulnerability arises from improper control of the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary local files on the server. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or credentials stored on the server. In some cases, LFI can be escalated to remote code execution if the attacker can include files containing executable code or leverage log poisoning techniques. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score and no public exploits have been reported. However, the nature of LFI vulnerabilities typically allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the flaw remotely by crafting specially crafted HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable parameter. The issue affects the Lione theme, a product of axiomthemes, widely used in WordPress sites for creating business and portfolio websites. The vulnerability was reserved in early September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery. No official patches or updates are currently linked, so users must monitor vendor advisories or apply manual mitigations. The lack of input validation or sanitization on the filename parameter is the root cause, making it critical to implement strict validation to prevent arbitrary file inclusion. This vulnerability can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of affected systems and potentially impact availability if exploited to execute malicious code or disrupt services.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2025-58950 could lead to significant data breaches, including exposure of sensitive internal files, configuration data, or user credentials stored on web servers running the vulnerable Lione theme. This could facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or full server compromise. Public-facing websites using the Lione theme are particularly at risk, potentially leading to reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data exposure, and operational disruptions. The impact is heightened for organizations in sectors with critical web infrastructure or sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, and government services. Additionally, attackers could leverage the vulnerability to implant backdoors or malware, affecting availability and integrity of services. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the ease of exploitation and potential severity necessitate urgent attention. The widespread use of WordPress and themes like Lione in Europe increases the attack surface, making this a relevant threat for many SMEs and larger enterprises alike.

1. Monitor axiomthemes official channels for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-58950 and apply them immediately once available. 2. Until an official patch is released, review and harden the theme’s PHP code by implementing strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling include or require statements to prevent arbitrary file paths. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vectors. 4. Restrict file system permissions on web servers to limit access to sensitive files and directories, minimizing the impact of potential LFI exploitation. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom or third-party themes and plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. 6. Implement logging and monitoring to detect unusual file access patterns or errors indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Educate web administrators and developers on secure coding practices, especially regarding dynamic file inclusion. 8. Consider isolating WordPress instances in containerized or sandboxed environments to reduce lateral movement risk if compromised.