Por: Experto en Seguridad de Hong Kong

Published: 2026-02-12 — Technical analysis and practical mitigation guidance for site owners, developers and hosting operators.

Resumen ejecutivo

A Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability (CVE-2025-69409) affects the WordPress theme “PJ | Life & Business Coaching” (versions ≤ 3.0.0). The issue allows unauthenticated actors to cause the theme to include files from the local filesystem. Successful exploitation can disclose sensitive configuration files (for example wp-config.php), credentials, and may lead to remote code execution in some hosting configurations.

This write-up provides a concise technical explanation, likely root causes, realistic impact scenarios, detection guidance, WAF-style mitigation patterns, and remediation steps that site owners and developers can implement immediately.

¿Qué es la Inclusión de Archivos Locales (LFI)?

Local File Inclusion occurs when an application uses user-provided input to choose a local file to load or include, without sufficient validation or restriction. In PHP the classic example is:

<?php
include($_GET['file']);
?>

With control of that parameter, an attacker can read local files (for example /etc/passwd or wp-config.php) or use PHP stream wrappers (for example php://filter) to exfiltrate file contents safely encoded.

In WordPress deployments this is especially serious because:

• Sites commonly store database credentials in wp-config.php.
• Plugins and themes may leave keys or secrets on disk.
• Leaked credentials can permit database access, admin account enumeration, or further lateral movement.

Why this specific theme vulnerability matters

The theme targets coaching and personal-branding sites — a broad user base. The vulnerability characteristics:

• Affected software: PJ | Life & Business Coaching theme
• Vulnerable versions: ≤ 3.0.0
• CVE: CVE-2025-69409
• Privilegios requeridos: Ninguno (no autenticado)
• Reported CVSS: 8.1 (High)

Unauthenticated exposure means automated scanners and bots will likely probe the issue rapidly after public disclosure — expect scanning activity within hours or days.

Likely root cause (typical developer mistake)

While I will not reproduce theme internals or exploit code, the common LFI pattern is predictable:

• The theme accepts a parameter (GET/POST) intended to select a template or include.
• The parameter value is appended to a filesystem path and passed to incluir/requerir without normalization.
• No whitelist or strict validation exists to restrict allowed files; path traversal or PHP wrappers are not filtered.

Example vulnerable pattern (illustrative only):

<?php
// vulnerable pattern (example only)
if ( isset($_GET['template']) ) {
    include get_template_directory() . '/templates/' . $_GET['template'] . '.php';
}
?>

If an attacker submits values such as ../../../../wp-config or php://filter/convert.base64-encode/resource=wp-config.php, the server may disclose or include unintended files.

Practical impact and exploitation scenarios

Possible outcomes of successful LFI include:

• Disclosure of wp-config.php — database credentials become available to attackers.
• Exposure of .env or other secret files under webroot.
• Reading logs that contain session tokens or API keys.
• Remote code execution if writable upload directories are present and an attacker can include uploaded code.
• Pivoting to other systems if private keys are stored on-disk.
• Advanced exploitation via PHP wrappers (for example php://input, data://, o php://filter).)

Because the vulnerability requires no authentication, automated mass scanning is a realistic and urgent threat vector.

Detection indicators — what to look for

When monitoring logs or IDS, search for:

• Requests containing directory traversal tokens: ../, ..%2f, ..%5c.
• Use of PHP stream wrappers: php://, datos:, expect://, archivo://.
• Attempts referencing sensitive filenames: wp-config.php, .env, /etc/passwd.
• Requests that include parameter names such as plantilla, archivo, vista, ruta, inc, página.
• Spikes in 4xx/5xx responses immediately after suspicious requests.
• Unexpected new files in wp-content/uploads, particularly PHP files.

Recommended immediate steps for site owners (emergency mitigation)

The priority is to reduce attack surface while coordinating a code-level fix or theme replacement:

1. Put critical sites into maintenance mode where feasible.
2. Apply WAF virtual patches immediately where you can:
   • Block directory traversal patterns and PHP stream wrappers.
   • Block requests targeting known sensitive filenames.
   • Restrict access to the affected theme endpoints to authenticated administrators where practical.
3. If you cannot apply a WAF, remove or deactivate the vulnerable theme and switch to a core theme until fixed.
4. Review webserver and application logs for suspicious requests and file changes.
5. If indicators of compromise are found, rotate database credentials and API keys.
6. Ensure you have recent, offline backups before remediation work.

Applying a WAF rule is frequently the fastest way to lower risk while coordinating a permanent patch.

WAF mitigation patterns and recommendations (generic)

Below are detection and blocking patterns suitable for implementation in any web application firewall or request filtering layer. Test in log-only mode first to tune for false positives.

1. Block directory traversal attempts
   • Pattern examples: (\.\./|\.\.\\|%2e%2e|%2e%2f|%2e%5c)
   • Action: block + log when present in any parameter or request body
2. Bloquear envolturas de flujo PHP
   • Pattern examples: (php://|data\:|expect://|file://|phar://|zlib://|php%3a%2f%2f)
   • Action: block + log across GET/POST and headers
3. Block attempts to reference core secret files
   • Pattern examples: wp-config\.php|\.env|/etc/passwd|/etc/shadow|/proc/self/environ
   • Action: block with 403 + log
4. Bloquear php://filter exfiltration attempts
   • Patrón: php://filter/convert.base64-encode/resource=
   • Action: block + log
5. Parameter name inspection
   • If parameters named archivo, plantilla, tpl, vista, ruta, inc, o página are present, apply strict validation or block when values match traversal/wrapper patterns.
6. File extension enforcement
   • Reject parameter values containing dots or unexpected extensions; prefer token-to-path mapping rather than passing filenames directly.
7. Rate / behaviour rules
   • Throttle or block IPs generating many suspicious inclusion-style requests in a short period.
8. Parche virtual dirigido.
   • If the theme exposes a known endpoint (for example /?template=...), create a targeted rule denying values containing traversal or wrapper tokens.

Regla pseudo-conceptual:

If request contains a parameter whose name matches (file|template|tpl|view|inc|path|page) AND the parameter value contains traversal or wrapper patterns (for example ../ or php://) OR references wp-config.php/.env, then block with 403 and log.

Developer guidance — fix at source

The correct, long-term remediation is to remove user-controlled file inclusion entirely or to implement a strict whitelist and validation.

1. Do not accept arbitrary file paths from user input.

   Use a mapping from token to allowed template path:

   <?php
   $allowed_templates = [
     'homepage' => get_template_directory() . '/templates/homepage.php',
     'about'    => get_template_directory() . '/templates/about.php',
   ];
   
   $token = isset($_GET['template']) ? $_GET['template'] : 'homepage';
   if ( isset($allowed_templates[$token]) ) {
       include $allowed_templates[$token];
   } else {
       include $allowed_templates['homepage'];
   }
   ?>

2. Normalize and validate input

   Reject values with dots or slashes when expecting a simple token. Avoid passing raw input to filesystem functions.

3. Avoid direct include of user-controlled data

   Prefer built-in WordPress templating functions (for example get_template_part, locate_template) with static names. If dynamic loading is necessary, implement a strict whitelist and never append raw user input.

4. Disallow PHP execution in writable directories

   Configure the webserver to prevent execution of PHP in wp-content/uploads and similar writable locations.

5. Sanitize error output

   Do not print file paths or contents in public error messages; log detailed diagnostics only to admin-accessible logs.

6. Code review and automated tests

   Add unit/integration tests to assert include logic is not exploitable and include static analysis in CI to detect risky include/require usage.

Recommended hosting and server hardening

1. Deshabilitar la ejecución de PHP en los directorios de subida.

   Example (Apache .htaccess in wp-content/uploads):

   <FilesMatch "\.php$">
       Deny from all
   </FilesMatch>

2. File permissions and ownership: run PHP under an unprivileged user and ensure only necessary files are writable by the webserver.
3. Limit PHP wrappers where feasible: consider disabling permitir_url_incluir and constraining allow_url_fopen per hosting policy.
4. Keep PHP and server packages up to date.

Lista de verificación de respuesta a incidentes

1. Isolate: put the site into maintenance mode and block suspicious IPs.
2. Preserve logs: export webserver and application logs for forensic analysis.
3. Snapshot: take filesystem snapshot and database dump before changes.
4. Contain: apply WAF rules and remove the vulnerable theme or switch to a safe theme.
5. Eradicate: remove backdoors and suspicious files; consider professional cleanup for complex infections.
6. Restore & verify: restore from a known clean backup and comprehensively scan the site.
7. Rotate secrets: change database passwords, API keys and other exposed credentials.
8. Post-incident review: determine root cause, apply fixes, and update procedures.

How to detect LFI-based compromises in the wild

• Busque registros para php://filter, ../, or requests for wp-config.php.
• Check for unexpected PHP files in wp-content/uploads.
• Monitor for new admin users or unexpected role changes.
• Use file-integrity checks against a known clean baseline.
• Inspect database content for encoded payloads or injected iframes.

Communications advice for site owners & agencies

• Proactively identify sites using the PJ theme ≤ 3.0.0 and inform stakeholders.
• Prioritise sites that hold sensitive data or process payments for immediate mitigation.
• Keep a log of actions taken and timelines for client transparency and compliance needs.

Longer term risk reduction (strategy)

• Maintain an inventory of themes and plugins and monitor CVE feeds for components you use.
• Adopt virtual patching practices via a WAF to reduce the exposure window between disclosure and a code fix.
• Copias de seguridad regulares y procedimientos de restauración probados.
• Least privilege: limit admin access, use 2FA on privileged accounts.
• Regular code audits for themes and any custom code.
• Use staging environments to test updates and security fixes prior to production rollout.

Preguntas frecuentes

P: My theme version is 3.0.0 — am I affected?
R: If your installed theme version is less than or equal to 3.0.0, assume vulnerability until a patched release is confirmed. Verify the version via Appearance → Themes or the theme’s header in style.css.

P: ¿Es suficiente un WAF?
R: A WAF is an important and rapid mitigation. It reduces immediate risk but is not a substitute for a code-level fix or theme update.

P: Are other themes at risk?
R: Yes. LFI is a common class of vulnerability that can appear wherever code dynamically includes files based on user input. Audit any custom or third-party code that performs dynamic includes.

P: ¿Ayudará actualizar el núcleo de WordPress?
R: WordPress core updates do not fix vulnerabilities in third-party themes. Update the theme to a patched version when available or remove the vulnerable code.

Example WAF signatures (for operators & security teams)

These examples assume URL-decoding and normalization is performed before matching.

1) Directory traversal and wrappers (PCRE):

(?i)(\.\./|\.\.\\|%2e%2e|php://|data:|file://|phar://|expect://)

2) php://filter exfiltration attempts:

(?i)php://filter/convert\.base64-encode/resource=([a-z0-9_/\.-]+)

3) Known sensitive file targets:

(?i)(wp-config\.php|\.env|/etc/passwd|/etc/shadow|proc/self/environ)

4) Parameter name awareness (heavy scrutiny or block):

(?i)(^|&)(file|template|tpl|view|path|inc|page)=

Action suggestions:

• Log matches with full request context.
• If wrapper/traversal AND a suspicious parameter name are both present, block and alert.
• Rate-limit and temporarily blacklist IPs generating many suspicious requests.

Why site owners should act now

Publicly disclosed, unauthenticated vulnerabilities are rapidly scanned and exploited. The cost of proactive mitigation (applying WAF rules or temporarily disabling the vulnerable theme) is far lower than the cost of recovery after compromise: data loss, cleanup time, reputational damage, and potential regulatory exposure.

Closing notes — best next steps

1. Immediately apply WAF rules or other request-filtering patterns described above.
2. Switch to a default or known-good theme if you cannot apply WAF protections.
3. Audit logs and backups for signs of compromise.
4. Request timelines and a fixed release from the theme vendor; if none is available, remove or replace the theme.
5. Consider a full security review with your operations team — LFI often reveals other insecure design patterns.

— Experto en Seguridad de Hong Kong

Appendix: Quick checklist (copyable)

• [ ] Identify all sites using PJ | Life & Business Coaching theme (≤ 3.0.0).
• [ ] Put critical sites into maintenance mode (if practical).
• [ ] Apply WAF rules to block LFI patterns and PHP wrappers.
• [ ] Switch to a safe theme if a WAF cannot be applied.
• [ ] Scan for suspicious requests and unexpected file uploads.
• [ ] Backup current site image and database (store offline).
• [ ] Rotate credentials if compromise is suspected.
• [ ] Replace or update the theme once a safe version is available.