CVE-2025-64193 is a vulnerability identified in the 8theme XStore WordPress theme, affecting all versions prior to 9.6.1. The issue stems from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which leads to a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. LFI vulnerabilities allow attackers to include files on the server through manipulated input, potentially exposing sensitive information or enabling remote code execution if combined with other weaknesses. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker with network access and low privileges to include arbitrary files on the server without requiring user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflects high severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is network-based, with a high attack complexity and requiring low privileges, but no user interaction. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to read sensitive files, execute arbitrary PHP code, or cause denial of service by including malicious or unintended files. The vulnerability affects websites using the XStore theme, which is popular among e-commerce and business sites built on WordPress. No patches or exploit code links were provided in the initial data, but the vendor has released version 9.6.1 to address the issue. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date, but the potential impact is significant given the theme's widespread use.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-64193 can be severe, especially for those relying on WordPress with the XStore theme for e-commerce, corporate websites, or customer portals. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, intellectual property, or internal systems, resulting in data breaches and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The ability to execute arbitrary code or disrupt services could cause operational downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage. Given the high attack complexity but low privilege requirement, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to pivot deeper into corporate networks. The widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of XStore in Europe increase the risk of targeted attacks, particularly against SMEs and enterprises with limited cybersecurity resources. Additionally, compromised websites could be used as launchpads for further attacks or to distribute malware, amplifying the threat landscape.

Organizations should immediately verify if they are using the XStore theme version prior to 9.6.1 and upgrade to version 9.6.1 or later where the vulnerability is patched. In the absence of an immediate update, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious include/require requests. Restrict PHP include paths using configuration directives such as open_basedir to limit file system access. Conduct thorough code reviews and security audits of custom theme modifications or plugins that interact with file inclusion. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual file access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.