CVE-2025-60056: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') in AncoraThemes Winger
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in AncoraThemes Winger winger allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Winger: from n/a through <= 1.0.16.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-60056 is a vulnerability classified as Remote File Inclusion (RFI) found in the AncoraThemes Winger WordPress theme, specifically in versions up to and including 1.0.16. The root cause is 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, depending on the input and server configuration. RFI vulnerabilities enable attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by including malicious scripts hosted remotely or locally, potentially leading to full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it exploitable by any unauthenticated attacker with access to the vulnerable web application. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been reported. However, the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of WordPress themes make this a critical concern. The vulnerability affects the AncoraThemes Winger theme, which is used to build WordPress sites, often for business or personal websites. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation through other means such as input validation or disabling vulnerable functionality. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. Many businesses and institutions in Europe rely on WordPress for their web presence, and themes like AncoraThemes Winger are popular due to their design and functionality. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on web servers, leading to website defacement, data leakage, or use of the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the organization's network. This can result in reputational damage, loss of customer trust, regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is exposed, and operational disruption. Public-facing websites are particularly vulnerable, and sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and e-commerce in Europe could face significant risks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently offers a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid exploitation once exploit code becomes available is high. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited without authentication increases the attack surface and risk profile for European organizations.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediate identification of all WordPress installations using the AncoraThemes Winger theme, especially versions up to 1.0.16. 2. Monitor official AncoraThemes channels and Patchstack for the release of a security patch and apply it promptly once available. 3. Until a patch is released, implement manual code review and hardening: sanitize and validate all inputs that control file inclusion paths to ensure only trusted files can be included. 4. Disable or restrict the functionality that allows dynamic file inclusion if feasible. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts or unusual URL parameters. 6. Restrict PHP configuration settings such as allow_url_include=Off to prevent remote file inclusion. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities. 8. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation. 10. Limit exposure of administrative interfaces and sensitive endpoints to trusted networks or VPNs.
Affected Countries
Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland
CVE-2025-60056: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') in AncoraThemes Winger
Description
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in AncoraThemes Winger winger allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Winger: from n/a through <= 1.0.16.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-60056 is a vulnerability classified as Remote File Inclusion (RFI) found in the AncoraThemes Winger WordPress theme, specifically in versions up to and including 1.0.16. The root cause is 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, depending on the input and server configuration. RFI vulnerabilities enable attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by including malicious scripts hosted remotely or locally, potentially leading to full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it exploitable by any unauthenticated attacker with access to the vulnerable web application. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been reported. However, the nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of WordPress themes make this a critical concern. The vulnerability affects the AncoraThemes Winger theme, which is used to build WordPress sites, often for business or personal websites. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation through other means such as input validation or disabling vulnerable functionality. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. Many businesses and institutions in Europe rely on WordPress for their web presence, and themes like AncoraThemes Winger are popular due to their design and functionality. Exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on web servers, leading to website defacement, data leakage, or use of the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the organization's network. This can result in reputational damage, loss of customer trust, regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is exposed, and operational disruption. Public-facing websites are particularly vulnerable, and sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and e-commerce in Europe could face significant risks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently offers a window for proactive defense, but the potential for rapid exploitation once exploit code becomes available is high. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited without authentication increases the attack surface and risk profile for European organizations.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediate identification of all WordPress installations using the AncoraThemes Winger theme, especially versions up to 1.0.16. 2. Monitor official AncoraThemes channels and Patchstack for the release of a security patch and apply it promptly once available. 3. Until a patch is released, implement manual code review and hardening: sanitize and validate all inputs that control file inclusion paths to ensure only trusted files can be included. 4. Disable or restrict the functionality that allows dynamic file inclusion if feasible. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts or unusual URL parameters. 6. Restrict PHP configuration settings such as allow_url_include=Off to prevent remote file inclusion. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities. 8. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation. 10. Limit exposure of administrative interfaces and sensitive endpoints to trusted networks or VPNs.
Affected Countries
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Patchstack
- Date Reserved
- 2025-09-25T15:19:32.567Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6943b04b4eb3efac366ffb05
Added to database: 12/18/2025, 7:42:03 AM
Last enriched: 12/18/2025, 8:45:28 AM
Last updated: 12/19/2025, 8:35:24 AM
Views: 6
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