CVE-2025-67940 is a vulnerability identified in the Mikado-Themes Powerlift WordPress theme, affecting all versions prior to 3.2.1. The issue arises from improper control of the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, leading to a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file path to include arbitrary files from the server or potentially remote locations, depending on server configuration. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to execution of arbitrary PHP code, disclosure of sensitive files, and full compromise of the web server hosting the vulnerable theme. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction, but it has a high attack complexity due to the need for specific conditions in the server environment. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as an attacker could gain complete control over the affected system. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's nature makes it a prime target for attackers once weaponized. The vulnerability was reserved in December 2025 and published in January 2026, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The lack of patch links suggests users must rely on vendor updates or mitigations. Given the widespread use of WordPress themes in Europe, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using Mikado-Themes Powerlift, especially those that have not updated to the fixed version 3.2.1 or later.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a severe risk to websites and web applications using the Mikado-Themes Powerlift theme. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including customer information and internal files, undermining confidentiality. Attackers can also modify website content or inject malicious code, impacting integrity and potentially damaging brand reputation. Availability may be affected if attackers execute denial-of-service attacks or disrupt web server operations. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and government are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data and regulatory requirements like GDPR. The ease of remote exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of attacks, especially against unpatched systems. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as launchpads for further attacks, including phishing or malware distribution, amplifying the threat landscape. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency for remediation.

1. Immediate upgrade to Mikado-Themes Powerlift version 3.2.1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. If immediate upgrade is not possible, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious requests attempting to manipulate include/require parameters. 3. Restrict PHP file inclusion paths using open_basedir and disable allow_url_include in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion. 4. Conduct thorough code reviews and audits of custom theme modifications to ensure no unsafe file inclusion practices exist. 5. Monitor web server logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 6. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect exploitation attempts. 7. Educate web administrators and developers on secure coding practices related to file inclusion and input validation. 8. Regularly backup website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 9. Coordinate with hosting providers to ensure server-level security controls are in place and updated.