CVE-2025-62055 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the Elated-Themes Academist WordPress theme, specifically in versions before 1.3. The vulnerability stems from improper validation and control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker with at least low-level privileges (PR:L) to remotely specify a malicious file to be included and executed by the PHP interpreter on the server. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no user interaction (UI:N), and the vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system (C:H/I:H) but not availability (A:N). Exploiting this vulnerability could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability is classified as high severity with a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1, indicating it is both impactful and relatively easy to exploit given the low attack complexity (AC:L). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities and the widespread use of WordPress themes make this a critical issue to address. The vulnerability affects the Academist theme up to but not including version 1.3, and no patch links were provided at the time of publication, suggesting users should upgrade to the latest version once available or apply recommended mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for those running WordPress sites using the Academist theme. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, modify website content, or pivot to internal networks. This can result in data breaches, reputational damage, and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR due to unauthorized data access. The high confidentiality and integrity impact means that sensitive customer or business data could be exposed or altered. Since the vulnerability requires only low privileges and no user interaction, internal or external attackers with minimal access could exploit it remotely. This is particularly concerning for organizations with weak access controls or outdated theme versions. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers often develop exploits rapidly after disclosure. The impact is heightened for sectors with critical online presence such as e-commerce, education, and government services prevalent in Europe.

1. Upgrade the Elated-Themes Academist theme to version 1.3 or later as soon as the patch is available to ensure the vulnerability is fixed. 2. Until an official patch is applied, restrict PHP include paths by configuring the server's php.ini directive 'allow_url_include' to 'Off' and 'allow_url_fopen' to 'Off' to prevent remote file inclusion. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any user-controllable parameters that influence file inclusion. 4. Enforce the principle of least privilege by limiting user roles and permissions within WordPress to reduce the risk of low-privilege exploitation. 5. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts targeting the Academist theme. 6. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual requests or errors related to file inclusion. 7. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on WordPress themes and plugins. 8. Educate site administrators about the risks of outdated themes and the importance of timely updates.