CVE-2025-62014 is a remote file inclusion vulnerability found in the ApusTheme ITok product, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.1.42. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to supply a malicious URL or file path. When the application includes this untrusted input without proper validation or sanitization, it can lead to remote code execution on the server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication or user interaction, and the attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code remotely, potentially taking full control of the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, high attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's nature and severity make it a critical risk for websites and applications using the ITok theme. The lack of available patches at the time of publication means organizations must rely on temporary mitigations such as disabling remote file inclusion in PHP settings (e.g., setting allow_url_include to Off) and implementing strict input validation on parameters that control file inclusion. Monitoring web server logs for suspicious requests targeting include parameters is also recommended. Given that ApusTheme ITok is a PHP-based theme, it is likely used in content management systems or e-commerce platforms, which are common targets for attackers seeking to compromise web infrastructure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to web servers running the ApusTheme ITok product. Successful exploitation can lead to complete server compromise, data theft, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers can access sensitive data stored or processed by the server. Integrity is compromised because attackers can modify website content or inject malicious code. Availability can be impacted if attackers disrupt services or deploy ransomware. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media that rely on PHP-based web applications are particularly vulnerable. The exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the likelihood of automated attacks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score indicates that once exploits emerge, the impact could be severe. European data protection regulations such as GDPR also mean that breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

1. Immediately disable remote file inclusion in PHP by setting allow_url_include=Off in the php.ini configuration. 2. Apply any patches or updates released by ApusTheme for the ITok product as soon as they become available. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that control file inclusion, ensuring only allowed local files can be included. 4. Use web application firewalls (WAF) to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 5. Conduct regular code reviews and security audits of PHP applications to identify unsafe include/require usage. 6. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests containing suspicious file paths or URLs in include parameters. 7. Isolate web servers in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement if compromise occurs. 8. Educate development teams on secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation. 9. Consider disabling or restricting PHP functions like include(), require(), and file_get_contents() if not needed. 10. Backup web application data regularly and verify restoration processes to minimize downtime in case of compromise.