CVE-2025-69071 is a vulnerability classified as PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) found in the AncoraThemes TanTum WordPress theme, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.1.13. The root cause is improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to manipulate the file path and include arbitrary files from the local filesystem. This can lead to remote code execution if an attacker can control the content of included files or leverage other chained vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, but the attack complexity is rated high due to the need for precise exploitation conditions. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as successful exploitation can disclose sensitive information, modify data, or disrupt service. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and thus poses a significant risk. The AncoraThemes TanTum theme is used in WordPress environments, which are widely deployed across many organizations, making this a relevant threat vector for web servers running vulnerable versions of the theme.

The impact on European organizations can be severe due to the potential for remote code execution, data leakage, and service disruption. Organizations running WordPress sites with the vulnerable TanTum theme risk unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement, or full server compromise. This can lead to loss of customer trust, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational downtime. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication increases the attack surface, making automated scanning and exploitation plausible. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, especially in small and medium enterprises and public sector websites, the threat could affect a broad range of sectors including e-commerce, government, education, and media. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the public disclosure increases the likelihood of future exploitation attempts.

Immediate mitigation steps include monitoring for updates or patches from AncoraThemes and applying them as soon as they become available. Until a patch is released, organizations should consider disabling or replacing the TanTum theme with a secure alternative. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on any user-controllable parameters related to file inclusion. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities, such as suspicious URL patterns or payloads. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans on WordPress installations to identify the presence of vulnerable themes. Restrict file permissions on web servers to limit the impact of any file inclusion attempts. Additionally, maintain comprehensive backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.