CVE-2025-60054 is a vulnerability classified as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program,' commonly known as a PHP Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability. It affects the AncoraThemes OnLeash WordPress theme versions up to and including 1.5.2. The vulnerability arises because the theme improperly validates or sanitizes user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include remote files containing malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable code executes, it fetches and runs the attacker's code on the server, leading to remote code execution. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.2 (high), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality severely (C:H), with limited integrity impact (I:L) and no availability impact (A:N). The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication or user interaction, potentially leading to data theft, website defacement, or further compromise of the hosting environment. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and score indicate a high risk. The lack of available patches or official fixes at the time of publication increases the urgency for mitigation. AncoraThemes OnLeash is a niche WordPress theme, but WordPress's widespread use means that even niche themes can have significant deployment in European small and medium enterprises, especially in sectors relying on web presence such as e-commerce, media, and professional services.

For European organizations, exploitation of CVE-2025-60054 can lead to severe confidentiality breaches, as attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code remotely, potentially accessing sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or internal systems. Integrity of website content and backend systems can be compromised, allowing attackers to deface websites, inject malicious content, or establish persistent backdoors. Although availability impact is not directly indicated, secondary effects such as cleanup or further attacks could disrupt services. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) face legal and reputational risks if breaches occur. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction increases the likelihood of automated attacks, making it a significant threat to European businesses using the affected theme. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as launchpads for attacks against customers or partners, amplifying the impact.

1. Immediate upgrade: Monitor AncoraThemes announcements for patches or updated versions of OnLeash that address this vulnerability and apply them promptly. 2. Temporary code audit: Review theme files for unsafe include or require statements that use user input and implement input validation or sanitization to restrict allowed filenames. 3. Disable remote URL includes: Configure PHP settings (e.g., disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen) to prevent inclusion of remote files. 4. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy or update WAF rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 5. Access controls: Restrict administrative access to the WordPress backend and file system permissions to limit damage if exploitation occurs. 6. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of web server and PHP errors to detect exploitation attempts early. 7. Backup and recovery: Ensure recent backups are available to restore compromised systems quickly. 8. Consider theme replacement: If patching is delayed, evaluate switching to a more secure and actively maintained theme to reduce exposure.