CVE-2025-69034 is a remote file inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in Mikado-Themes Lekker, a PHP-based theme product used in web environments. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker with low privileges to specify arbitrary files to be included and executed by the PHP interpreter. This can lead to remote code execution, data disclosure, and full compromise of the web application’s confidentiality and integrity. The affected versions include all releases up to and including version 1.8. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of authenticated access (PR:L in CVSS), which lowers the barrier compared to requiring administrative privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1, reflecting high impact on confidentiality and integrity with network attack vector and low attack complexity. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability’s nature makes it a critical concern for organizations using this theme. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation efforts. The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating input parameters that control file inclusion paths, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code or disclose sensitive files on the server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting or multi-tenant environments where one compromised site can lead to broader compromise. Detection can be challenging without proper logging and monitoring of file inclusion calls. The vulnerability is classified as a remote file inclusion flaw, a well-known attack vector in PHP applications, and requires urgent attention from administrators of affected systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to web applications using the Mikado-Themes Lekker product, especially those running PHP-based CMS platforms like WordPress where such themes are deployed. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, including customer information, intellectual property, and internal configuration files, resulting in privacy violations and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. Integrity compromise can allow attackers to inject malicious code, deface websites, or pivot to internal networks, potentially causing reputational damage and operational disruptions. Although availability is not directly impacted, the indirect effects of a breach—such as downtime during incident response—can be costly. Organizations in sectors with high web presence, such as e-commerce, media, and government services, are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for low privilege authentication means insider threats or compromised user accounts can be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. Given the widespread use of PHP and WordPress themes in Europe, the attack surface is substantial. Failure to remediate promptly could lead to targeted attacks exploiting this flaw to gain persistent access or conduct data exfiltration.

1. Immediately monitor for updates or patches from Mikado-Themes and apply them as soon as they become available. 2. In the interim, restrict access to the affected application areas by enforcing strict authentication and authorization controls to limit attacker access. 3. Implement input validation and sanitization on all parameters controlling file inclusion to ensure only expected, whitelisted filenames or paths are accepted. 4. Use PHP configuration directives such as open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to specific directories, preventing arbitrary file access. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. 6. Conduct thorough code reviews and audits of customizations to the Lekker theme to identify and remediate unsafe include/require usage. 7. Enhance logging and monitoring of file inclusion operations and anomalous PHP execution patterns to enable early detection of exploitation attempts. 8. Educate administrators and developers about the risks of remote file inclusion and secure coding practices. 9. Consider isolating vulnerable web applications in segmented network zones to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 10. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery if an incident occurs.