CVE-2025-59588 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-98, which concerns improper control of filenames used in include or require statements within PHP programs. Specifically, this vulnerability affects the PenciDesign Soledad product, versions up to and including 8.6.8. The flaw allows for PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), which can enable an attacker to include files on the server through manipulated input parameters. Although the description mentions "PHP Remote File Inclusion," the actual impact is local file inclusion, which still poses significant risks. The vulnerability arises because the application does not properly validate or sanitize the filename input used in PHP's include or require statements, allowing an attacker with low privileges to influence which files are included and executed by the PHP interpreter. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5, indicating a high severity, with the vector AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. This means the attack can be performed remotely over the network but requires low privileges and high attack complexity, with no user interaction needed. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is published and reserved as of September 2025, but no patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported yet.

For European organizations using the PenciDesign Soledad theme, particularly those running WordPress sites or PHP-based web applications with this theme, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive files such as configuration files, password stores, or application source code, leading to data breaches and exposure of credentials. Additionally, attackers could execute arbitrary PHP code by including malicious files, potentially leading to full system compromise, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks. This can disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to data leakage. The high attack complexity and requirement for low privileges somewhat limit the attack surface, but the lack of need for user interaction and network accessibility means that remote attackers could exploit this vulnerability if the affected versions are publicly accessible. Given the widespread use of WordPress and associated themes in Europe, the impact could be broad, especially for small and medium enterprises that may not have rigorous patch management or security monitoring in place.

1. Immediate upgrade: Organizations should upgrade the PenciDesign Soledad theme to the latest version once a patch is released. Until then, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the theme if feasible. 2. Input validation: Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion to ensure only intended files can be included. 3. Web application firewall (WAF): Deploy and configure a WAF with rules to detect and block attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities, including suspicious URL patterns or parameter values. 4. Principle of least privilege: Ensure that the web server and PHP process run with minimal privileges, limiting access to sensitive files and directories to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. 5. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of web server and application activities to detect anomalous file inclusion attempts and respond promptly. 6. Disable unnecessary PHP functions: If possible, disable PHP functions such as include, require, or allow_url_include in the php.ini configuration to reduce the attack surface. 7. Network segmentation: Isolate web servers running vulnerable applications from critical internal networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise.