CVE-2025-60042 is a vulnerability classified as Remote File Inclusion (RFI) in the AncoraThemes Chinchilla WordPress theme, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.16. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and control over filenames passed to PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the input parameter that determines which file is included, enabling the inclusion of remote files hosted on attacker-controlled servers. When exploited, this can lead to arbitrary PHP code execution within the context of the web server, potentially resulting in full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers. The affected product, AncoraThemes Chinchilla, is a WordPress theme used primarily for blogging and magazine-style websites, which may be deployed across numerous small to medium-sized enterprises and individual users. The lack of a CVSS score indicates this is a newly published vulnerability, and no official patches or mitigations have been released at the time of reporting. The vulnerability was reserved in late September 2025 and published in December 2025, suggesting recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60042 can be severe, particularly for those relying on WordPress websites using the AncoraThemes Chinchilla theme. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, enabling attackers to take full control of the affected web server. This can result in data breaches, defacement, distribution of malware, or use of compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within the corporate network. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web services and sensitive data can be compromised. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, media, and public services that rely on WordPress for their online presence are especially vulnerable. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of automated scanning and exploitation attempts. The reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches further elevate the threat's impact in Europe.

1. Immediate action should be to monitor for official patches or updates from AncoraThemes and apply them as soon as they become available. 2. Until patches are released, implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters that influence file inclusion paths, ideally restricting them to a whitelist of allowed files. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block typical RFI attack patterns, such as suspicious URL parameters containing remote URLs or encoded payloads. 4. Disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion where possible. 5. Conduct thorough code reviews and audits of the theme and any customizations to identify and remediate unsafe include/require usage. 6. Limit the web server's file system permissions to restrict the scope of accessible files and directories. 7. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. 8. Educate site administrators on the risks and signs of compromise related to this vulnerability.