CVE-2025-68537 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the thembay Zota theme up to version 1.3.14. The vulnerability allows Remote File Inclusion (RFI), where an attacker can manipulate the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require statements to load malicious remote files. This occurs due to insufficient validation or sanitization of user-supplied input controlling the file path. Exploiting this flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or defacement. The vulnerability does not require authentication, increasing its risk profile. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities historically makes them attractive targets for attackers. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, but no patches or mitigations have been officially released yet. The affected product, thembay Zota, is a PHP-based theme commonly used in CMS environments, which are often internet-facing and critical to business operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-68537 can be substantial. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to take control of web servers, access sensitive data, or disrupt services. This threatens confidentiality by exposing customer and business data, integrity by enabling unauthorized modifications, and availability by potentially causing denial-of-service conditions. Organizations relying on thembay Zota for their web presence, especially in e-commerce or customer-facing portals, risk reputational damage and regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The lack of authentication requirement and ease of exploitation increase the likelihood of attacks. Additionally, compromised servers can be used as pivot points for further attacks within corporate networks, amplifying the threat. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the risk remains high given the vulnerability class.

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling remote file inclusion in the PHP configuration (e.g., setting allow_url_include=Off and allow_url_fopen=Off) to reduce attack surface. Organizations should monitor for updates or patches from thembay and apply them promptly once available. In the interim, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user inputs that influence file inclusion paths, employing whitelisting of allowed files. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion. Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and remediate unsafe include/require usage. Additionally, restrict web server permissions to limit the impact of any successful exploitation. Regularly audit logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, consider isolating affected web applications in segmented network zones to contain potential breaches.