CVE-2025-60049 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically identified in the axiomthemes Soleil WordPress theme versions up to 1.17. This vulnerability is a form of Remote File Inclusion (RFI), where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements. As a result, an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter to include remote malicious PHP files hosted on attacker-controlled servers. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full site compromise, data theft, or pivoting to other internal systems. 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 historically leads to rapid exploitation once disclosed. The affected product, Soleil, is a WordPress theme developed by axiomthemes, commonly used for creative and business websites. The lack of a CVSS score indicates the need for severity assessment based on the vulnerability's characteristics. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or mitigations are currently linked, emphasizing the urgency for theme users to monitor vendor updates and apply fixes promptly.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-60049 can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress sites using the Soleil theme. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized remote code execution, allowing attackers to deface websites, steal sensitive customer or business data, deploy malware, or use compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within the network. This can result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational disruptions. E-commerce, media, and service providers using the affected theme are particularly at risk. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of automated scanning and mass exploitation campaigns targeting European websites. Additionally, compromised sites could be leveraged for phishing or distributing malware to European users, amplifying the threat. Organizations with limited cybersecurity resources or delayed patch management processes face heightened exposure. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the threat landscape may evolve rapidly.

1. Immediate monitoring of axiomthemes' official channels for security patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-60049 and prompt application of these patches once available. 2. Until patches are released, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion, ideally disabling dynamic includes based on user input. 3. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities, such as those containing URL schemes or unexpected file paths. 4. Conduct thorough code reviews of the Soleil theme and any customizations to identify and remediate unsafe include/require statements. 5. Restrict PHP configuration settings to disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives if not required, reducing the risk of remote file inclusion. 6. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 7. Monitor web server logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to include remote files. 8. Educate web administrators and developers about the risks of RFI vulnerabilities and secure coding practices. 9. Consider isolating WordPress instances or running them with least privilege to limit the impact of potential exploitation.