CVE-2025-9191: CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in favethemes Houzez
The Houzez theme for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.6 via deserialization of untrusted input in saved-search-item.php. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software, which means this vulnerability has no impact unless another plugin or theme containing a POP chain is installed on the site. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it may allow the attacker to perform actions like delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code depending on the POP chain present.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Houzez WordPress theme (versions up to 4.1.6) contains a deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502) in saved-search-item.php that permits PHP Object Injection by authenticated users with Subscriber-level privileges or higher. Exploitation requires the presence of a PHP Object Injection POP chain in another installed plugin or theme to achieve meaningful impact such as arbitrary file deletion, data disclosure, or code execution. Without such a POP chain, this vulnerability does not lead to compromise. The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.3 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, and limited privileges required.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or above to inject PHP objects via deserialization. However, no direct impact occurs unless a PHP Object Injection POP chain is present in another installed plugin or theme. If such a POP chain exists, attackers may perform destructive or unauthorized actions including file deletion, data theft, or code execution. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or patch information is provided, administrators should monitor vendor channels for updates. In the meantime, limiting plugin and theme installations to trusted sources and minimizing user privileges can reduce risk. Also, review installed plugins/themes for known POP chains that could be leveraged in conjunction with this vulnerability.
CVE-2025-9191: CWE-502 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in favethemes Houzez
Description
The Houzez theme for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.6 via deserialization of untrusted input in saved-search-item.php. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software, which means this vulnerability has no impact unless another plugin or theme containing a POP chain is installed on the site. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it may allow the attacker to perform actions like delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code depending on the POP chain present.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Houzez WordPress theme (versions up to 4.1.6) contains a deserialization vulnerability (CWE-502) in saved-search-item.php that permits PHP Object Injection by authenticated users with Subscriber-level privileges or higher. Exploitation requires the presence of a PHP Object Injection POP chain in another installed plugin or theme to achieve meaningful impact such as arbitrary file deletion, data disclosure, or code execution. Without such a POP chain, this vulnerability does not lead to compromise. The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.3 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, and limited privileges required.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or above to inject PHP objects via deserialization. However, no direct impact occurs unless a PHP Object Injection POP chain is present in another installed plugin or theme. If such a POP chain exists, attackers may perform destructive or unauthorized actions including file deletion, data theft, or code execution. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or patch information is provided, administrators should monitor vendor channels for updates. In the meantime, limiting plugin and theme installations to trusted sources and minimizing user privileges can reduce risk. Also, review installed plugins/themes for known POP chains that could be leveraged in conjunction with this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2025-08-19T16:59:01.385Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6926f4dc6359f79d7175be81
Added to database: 11/26/2025, 12:38:52 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 10:59:14 AM
Last updated: 5/9/2026, 4:20:27 PM
Views: 151
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