CVE-2025-69074 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the AncoraThemes Pearson Specter WordPress theme versions up to 1.11.3. The root cause is improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to specify a remote file to be included and executed by the PHP interpreter. This vulnerability arises because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that determines the file path, enabling remote attackers to inject malicious PHP code hosted on external servers. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, full system compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting within the victim network. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.1 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with no privileges or user interaction required but with high attack complexity due to the need to host malicious payloads and bypass potential network protections. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability is critical due to the widespread use of WordPress themes and the potential for automated exploitation. AncoraThemes has not yet published patches or mitigation guidance, increasing the urgency for administrators to implement compensating controls.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on the Pearson Specter theme for their WordPress sites. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, website defacement, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the critical role of websites in customer engagement, e-commerce, and internal communications, a successful attack could result in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches. The high severity and remote exploitation capability mean attackers can target organizations without prior access, increasing the threat landscape. Additionally, sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure in Europe are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on web presence and stringent data protection requirements.

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling or removing the vulnerable Pearson Specter theme from WordPress installations until a patch is available. Administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths, employing whitelisting of allowed files or directories. Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block RFI attempts can provide an additional layer of defense. Monitoring web server logs for suspicious requests containing remote URLs or unusual parameters is critical for early detection. Organizations should also conduct thorough code reviews of custom themes or plugins to identify similar insecure coding patterns. Regular backups and incident response plans should be updated to prepare for potential exploitation. Finally, organizations must track vendor advisories for official patches and apply them promptly once released.