CVE-2025-60043 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the AncoraThemes Wanderic WordPress theme versions up to 1.0.10. The vulnerability arises from improper validation and control of the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to supply a crafted input that causes the application to include and execute remote PHP code hosted on an attacker-controlled server. The vulnerability does not require authentication (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as visiting a maliciously crafted URL. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can be attempted remotely over the internet. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity (C:H/I:H) but not availability (A:N). Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the web server, enabling data theft, website defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the high CVSS score (8.1) indicates a significant risk. The vulnerability affects a popular WordPress theme, which is widely used in small to medium business websites, increasing the potential attack surface. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate risk mitigation through configuration changes and monitoring.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk to websites running the vulnerable Wanderic theme, potentially exposing sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and internal systems. Compromise via RFI can lead to unauthorized data access, website defacement, and use of the compromised server as a launchpad for further attacks within corporate networks. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, especially among SMEs and public sector entities, exploitation could disrupt business operations and damage reputations. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability without authentication increases the likelihood of automated scanning and attacks. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, and media are particularly at risk due to their reliance on web presence and data confidentiality. Additionally, the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary code can facilitate malware deployment, ransomware attacks, or lateral movement within networks, amplifying the overall impact.

1. Immediately monitor AncoraThemes and official sources for security patches addressing CVE-2025-60043 and apply updates as soon as they become available. 2. Until patches are released, disable or remove the vulnerable Wanderic theme from production environments or replace it with a secure alternative. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters controlling file inclusion paths to prevent injection of malicious URLs or file names. 4. Configure web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts, especially those containing remote URLs or unusual query parameters. 5. Restrict PHP configurations to disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives to prevent remote file inclusion. 6. Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised web server on internal systems. 7. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on WordPress themes and plugins to identify similar risks. 8. Educate web administrators about the risks of using outdated or untrusted themes and the importance of timely patching. 9. Monitor web server logs for anomalous requests indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unusual include parameters or external URL references. 10. Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict sources of executable scripts.