CVE-2025-67529 is a critical vulnerability classified as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) flaw affecting the Opal_WP Fashion WordPress theme versions prior to 5.3.0. The root cause is improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to supply a remote URL or local file path that the server will include and execute. This vulnerability enables unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, reflecting its critical nature with network attack vector, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation could allow attackers to steal sensitive data, modify or delete content, deploy malware, or pivot within the network. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the simplicity of exploitation and the widespread use of WordPress themes make this a high-risk issue. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Fashion theme before 5.3.0, and no patch links were provided in the data, but upgrading to the fixed version is recommended. The issue was publicly disclosed on December 9, 2025, by Patchstack. Given the nature of WordPress themes and the popularity of the Fashion theme in e-commerce sites, this vulnerability poses a significant threat to websites relying on this theme for their online presence.

For European organizations, especially those in the retail, fashion, and e-commerce sectors using the Opal_WP Fashion theme, this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, including personal and payment information, leading to data breaches and regulatory penalties under GDPR. The integrity of websites can be compromised, resulting in defacement or injection of malicious content that damages brand reputation. Availability may also be impacted through denial-of-service conditions caused by malicious payloads or server instability. The critical nature of the vulnerability means attackers can remotely execute code without authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. This threat is particularly concerning for organizations with limited patch management processes or those hosting their own WordPress infrastructure without adequate security controls. Additionally, the potential for attackers to use compromised sites as a foothold for lateral movement or launching further attacks increases the overall risk landscape for European enterprises.

Immediate mitigation requires updating the Opal_WP Fashion theme to version 5.3.0 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. If updating is not immediately possible, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths to prevent malicious input. Employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically targeting RFI attempts can help block exploitation attempts at the network perimeter. Disable the allow_url_include directive in PHP configurations to prevent inclusion of remote files if not required. Conduct thorough code audits for any customizations or plugins that might introduce similar vulnerabilities. Regularly monitor web server logs for suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion. Additionally, ensure backups are up-to-date and tested to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. Educate development and operations teams about secure coding practices related to file inclusion and parameter handling to prevent recurrence.