CVE-2025-63074 is a vulnerability classified as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program,' commonly known as a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability, found in the Dream-Theme The7 WordPress theme up to version 12.8.0.2. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include unintended files from the local filesystem. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, disclosure of sensitive information, or denial of service. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without user interaction, requiring only low privileges, which increases its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5 reflects high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the widespread use of The7 theme in WordPress sites makes this a significant threat. The vulnerability was published on December 9, 2025, with no patch links currently available, indicating the need for vigilance and proactive mitigation by administrators. The flaw can be leveraged to execute malicious PHP code by including crafted files, potentially compromising the entire web server and connected infrastructure.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences including unauthorized access to sensitive data, website defacement, data theft, or full system compromise. Organizations relying on WordPress sites with The7 theme, especially those in e-commerce, media, or government sectors, face risks of reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches, and operational disruptions. The ability to remotely execute code without user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for public-facing web servers. Attackers could pivot from compromised web servers to internal networks, increasing the scope of impact. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score necessitates urgent attention. The vulnerability could also be leveraged for persistent backdoors or to launch further attacks such as ransomware or cryptojacking within European networks.

Organizations should immediately monitor for updates or patches from Dream-Theme and apply them as soon as they become available. Until patches are released, administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious include/require requests. Restrict PHP include paths using open_basedir directives to limit accessible directories. Disable unnecessary PHP functions such as allow_url_include and ensure that file permissions prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities. Additionally, maintain regular backups and monitor logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Educate web administrators about the risks and signs of LFI exploitation to enable rapid incident response.