CVE-2025-64223 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the PenciDesign PenNews WordPress theme versions prior to 6.7.3. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows attackers to specify arbitrary remote URLs containing malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable application includes this remote file, the attacker's code executes with the privileges of the web server user. This can lead to full system compromise, including data theft, website defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector and high attack complexity. Although no public exploits are currently known, the widespread use of PenNews in WordPress sites makes this a critical issue. The vulnerability was reserved on 2025-10-29 and published on 2025-12-18, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No official patches or mitigation links were provided in the source data, but upgrading to version 6.7.3 or later is recommended by the vendor. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without authentication, enabling attackers to fully control affected web servers.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat, especially to those operating WordPress sites using the PenNews theme for media, publishing, or content management. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. This can result in reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches, and financial losses. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely without authentication increases the risk of widespread automated attacks or targeted intrusions. Organizations relying on PenNews for their online presence must consider the risk of downtime and data compromise, which can affect customer trust and business continuity. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as platforms for further attacks, including phishing or malware distribution, impacting the broader European digital ecosystem.

1. Immediately upgrade all PenNews theme installations to version 6.7.3 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. If immediate upgrade is not possible, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths to prevent remote URLs. 3. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block attempts to exploit RFI vulnerabilities, such as blocking suspicious URL parameters or remote file inclusion patterns. 4. Restrict PHP configuration settings by disabling allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives to prevent inclusion of remote files. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans on WordPress sites to detect outdated themes and plugins. 6. Monitor web server logs for unusual requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7. Educate web administrators and developers about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and parameter handling. 8. Maintain regular backups of website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.