Local File Inclusion Vulnerability in WordPress Houzez Theme

Recently, a significant local file inclusion vulnerability (CVE-2025-62053) was discovered in the WordPress Houzez theme, affecting versions below 4.2.0. This issue potentially exposes web servers to serious security risks.

Overview of the Vulnerability

The vulnerability arises from improper control of filenames in PHP's include/require statements. Attackers can exploit this flaw to include arbitrary files from the server or remotely. Such attacks can lead to data breaches, server-level exploitation, or other malicious activities.

Why This Matters for Server Admins and Hosting Providers

For system administrators and hosting providers, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to server security. If a web application is compromised, the repercussions can include data loss, service downtime, and financial damage. It's crucial to address this vulnerability promptly to safeguard your infrastructure.

Practical Mitigation Steps

To combat this threat, we recommend the following steps:

• Update all installations of the Houzez theme to version 4.2.0 or later.
• Regularly apply security patches provided by your hosting provider.
• Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious requests.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
• Engage in active malware detection to safeguard your server against exploit attempts.