CVE-2025-62054 identifies a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability in the favethemes Houzez Theme - Functionality plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to 4.1.8. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker with low privileges to remotely specify a malicious file to be included and executed by the PHP interpreter on the server. Since the attack vector is network-based and does not require user interaction, exploitation can be performed remotely by sending crafted requests to vulnerable endpoints. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, enabling attackers to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web server and underlying systems. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a high severity, with attack complexity rated as high due to some required conditions, but only low privileges needed and no user interaction. No known public exploits are reported yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered a significant risk. The affected product is widely used in WordPress sites focused on real estate, making it a valuable target for attackers aiming to compromise business-critical websites or leverage compromised servers for further attacks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-62054 can be substantial. Organizations using the Houzez Theme in their WordPress deployments, particularly in real estate or property management sectors, risk unauthorized remote code execution on their web servers. This can lead to data breaches involving sensitive customer or business data, defacement or disruption of websites, and potential pivoting to internal networks for broader compromise. The loss of availability or integrity of public-facing websites can damage reputation and cause financial losses. Additionally, compromised servers may be used to distribute malware or conduct further attacks, increasing the overall threat landscape. Given the high adoption of WordPress and the popularity of the Houzez Theme in European real estate markets, the vulnerability poses a direct threat to organizations relying on these platforms for digital presence and customer engagement.

To mitigate CVE-2025-62054, organizations should immediately check for and apply any official patches or updates released by favethemes for the Houzez Theme - Functionality plugin. If patches are not yet available, temporary mitigations include disabling or removing the vulnerable plugin or theme functionality to eliminate the attack surface. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion paths to prevent injection of malicious filenames. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block RFI attack patterns, such as suspicious URL parameters or external file inclusion attempts. Restrict PHP configuration settings to disable remote file inclusion (e.g., setting allow_url_include=Off) and limit file system permissions to prevent unauthorized file execution. Regularly audit WordPress installations and plugins for vulnerabilities and maintain a robust patch management process. Monitoring web server logs for unusual requests targeting include/require parameters can help detect exploitation attempts early.