CVE-2025-60050 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the Panda theme developed by axiomthemes, affecting versions up to and including 1.21. The vulnerability stems from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary files. This can lead to Local File Inclusion (LFI) or Remote File Inclusion (RFI), enabling attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server by including malicious files hosted remotely or locally. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication and does not require user interaction, making automated exploitation feasible. Although no public exploits have been reported to date, the flaw is classified as a critical web application security issue due to its potential to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The affected product, Panda theme, is used primarily in WordPress environments, which are widely deployed across many European organizations for web presence and e-commerce. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed, but the technical nature of RFI vulnerabilities and their historical impact justify a high severity rating. The vulnerability was reserved in late September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or mitigations have been officially released yet, increasing the urgency for organizations to monitor vendor updates and implement interim security controls.

The impact of CVE-2025-60050 on European organizations can be severe. Exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected web servers, potentially leading to full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. Confidential information stored or processed by the affected websites, including customer data and credentials, could be exposed. Integrity of website content and backend systems may be compromised, undermining trust and business operations. Availability could also be affected if attackers deploy ransomware or disrupt services. Given the widespread use of WordPress and associated themes in Europe, especially in sectors like e-commerce, government, and media, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Organizations with limited patch management capabilities or those using outdated theme versions are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of RFI vulnerabilities necessitate urgent attention.

To mitigate CVE-2025-60050, European organizations should immediately inventory their web assets to identify installations of the Panda theme version 1.21 or earlier. Until an official patch is released by axiomthemes, organizations should apply the following specific measures: (1) Disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion; (2) Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion, employing whitelisting of allowed files; (3) Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts; (4) Restrict file permissions on web servers to limit the impact of any successful inclusion; (5) Monitor web server logs for anomalous requests indicative of exploitation attempts; (6) Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme if feasible; (7) Stay alert for vendor patches or security advisories and apply updates promptly. Additionally, organizations should conduct security awareness training for developers and administrators on secure coding practices related to file inclusion.