CVE-2025-60048 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the PHP-based Tripster theme developed by axiomthemes, affecting versions up to 1.0.10. The root cause is improper control over the filename parameter used in include or require statements within the PHP code, which allows an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive files such as configuration files, password files, or application source code. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code if combined with other vulnerabilities or by including files that contain executable PHP code. The vulnerability was reserved in late September 2025 and published in December 2025, with no CVSS score assigned and no patches currently available. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the nature of LFI vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access. The vulnerability does not require authentication, increasing the attack surface, and may be triggered by crafted HTTP requests or manipulated URL parameters. The lack of patch links indicates that organizations must proactively implement mitigations and monitor their systems. The Tripster theme is used primarily in PHP-based content management systems, which are common in European small and medium enterprises and some larger organizations. The vulnerability's exploitation could compromise confidentiality by exposing internal files, integrity by allowing code injection, and availability if the system is destabilized by malicious inclusions.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2025-60048 could lead to significant data breaches, exposing sensitive internal files such as credentials, configuration data, or proprietary information. This could result in loss of customer trust, regulatory penalties under GDPR, and operational disruptions. Attackers might leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, leading to full system compromise, lateral movement within networks, or deployment of ransomware. The impact is particularly critical for organizations relying on Tripster-themed websites for customer interaction, e-commerce, or internal portals. Confidentiality and integrity are primarily at risk, but availability could also be affected if the server is destabilized. Given the widespread use of PHP in European web infrastructure, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of sectors including finance, healthcare, education, and government services. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the ease of exploitation without authentication increases urgency. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability may face targeted attacks from opportunistic or advanced threat actors.

European organizations should immediately audit their use of the Tripster theme and identify any instances running version 1.0.10 or earlier. In the absence of an official patch, developers should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters used in include or require statements to prevent arbitrary file paths. Employ whitelisting of allowable files or directories to restrict inclusion to safe, predefined locations. Disable PHP functions such as allow_url_include and ensure allow_url_fopen is off to prevent remote file inclusion. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests that attempt to manipulate file paths. Conduct penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities. Plan for timely patching once an official fix is released by axiomthemes. Additionally, consider isolating web servers and limiting file permissions to minimize the impact of successful exploitation. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion.