CVE-2025-68065 is a vulnerability classified as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program,' commonly known as a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) flaw, found in LiquidThemes Hub Core versions up to and including 5.0.8. The vulnerability arises because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to supply a crafted filename that points to a remote malicious PHP file, which the server then includes and executes. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, as the attacker can execute arbitrary PHP code remotely without authentication or user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.5, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and a high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. Although no exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web servers running Hub Core. The lack of available patches at the time of publication increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because PHP Remote File Inclusion can lead to full system compromise if the attacker uploads malicious payloads or accesses sensitive configuration files. The issue affects web applications built on the Hub Core framework, which is used in various content management and e-commerce platforms developed by LiquidThemes. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure.

For European organizations using LiquidThemes Hub Core, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data processed or stored by affected web applications. Attackers exploiting this flaw can remotely execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to data leakage, unauthorized access to internal systems, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability does not directly affect integrity or availability but can be leveraged as a foothold for more damaging attacks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, which commonly use PHP-based web frameworks, may face regulatory and reputational consequences if exploited. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means attacks can be automated and widespread, increasing the threat surface. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used to bypass security controls, access internal APIs, or exfiltrate customer data, which is particularly sensitive under GDPR regulations in Europe. The potential for remote code execution elevates the risk of persistent backdoors or malware installation, complicating incident response and recovery.

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling the allow_url_include directive in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters used in include or require statements, employing whitelisting of allowed filenames or paths. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Monitoring web server logs for unusual include requests or error messages related to file inclusion can help detect attempted exploitation. Until an official patch is released by LiquidThemes, organizations should consider isolating affected applications in segmented network zones to limit potential lateral movement. Regular backups and incident response plans should be updated to address potential exploitation scenarios. Once patches become available, prompt application of updates is critical. Additionally, security teams should conduct code audits to identify and remediate similar insecure coding patterns in custom or third-party PHP code.