CVE-2025-67936 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the Mikado-Themes Curly WordPress theme. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit the theme’s PHP include or require statements by manipulating the filename parameter, leading to Remote File Inclusion (RFI). RFI vulnerabilities enable attackers to include and execute malicious PHP code hosted on remote servers, which can lead to full system compromise. The flaw exists in Curly versions prior to 3.3 and does not require user authentication or interaction, though the attack complexity is high due to the need to craft specific requests and potentially bypass security controls. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector and no privileges required. While no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability’s nature makes it a critical risk for websites using the affected theme, as successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, data theft, defacement, or denial of service. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2025 and published in January 2026, indicating recent discovery. The absence of official patches at the time of reporting suggests that users must apply mitigations proactively. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for WordPress sites using Mikado-Themes Curly, which are common in small to medium-sized business websites and personal blogs.

The impact of CVE-2025-67936 on European organizations can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress websites with the Mikado-Themes Curly theme. Exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify website content, or disrupt services. This could result in data breaches, reputational damage, financial loss, and regulatory penalties under GDPR for compromised personal data. Public-facing web servers are particularly vulnerable, increasing the risk of widespread defacement or use of compromised sites as attack vectors for further intrusions. The high CVSS score indicates severe consequences for confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media, which often use WordPress themes, may face operational disruptions and loss of customer trust. Additionally, the lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but also means attackers may develop exploits soon, increasing urgency for mitigation.

1. Immediately audit all WordPress installations for the presence of Mikado-Themes Curly theme and identify versions prior to 3.3. 2. Apply official patches or updates from Mikado-Themes as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability. 3. If patches are not yet available, implement temporary mitigations such as disabling or restricting the vulnerable include/require functionality via code review or custom plugin adjustments. 4. Employ a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities, including blocking requests with remote URLs in parameters. 5. Restrict PHP file inclusion paths using server configuration (e.g., open_basedir directive) to prevent inclusion of remote or unauthorized files. 6. Conduct regular security scans and penetration tests focusing on web application vulnerabilities. 7. Educate web administrators about the risks of using outdated themes and the importance of timely updates. 8. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit file inclusion. 9. Consider isolating WordPress environments and limiting permissions to reduce impact if compromise occurs.