Local File Inclusion (LFI) in FreightCo Theme (<= 1.1.7) — What WordPress Site Owners Must Do Now

Author: Hong Kong Security Expert | Date: 2026-02-13 | Tags: WordPress, Security, LFI, FreightCo, CVE-2025-69406

A high‑priority Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the FreightCo WordPress theme (versions ≤ 1.1.7) has been publicly disclosed and assigned CVE‑2025‑69406. The flaw is remotely exploitable without authentication and carries a CVSS base score of 8.1. This advisory provides focused, actionable guidance from a Hong Kong security expert’s perspective — technical analysis, detection methods, and a prioritized mitigation plan you can implement immediately.

执行摘要（TL;DR）

• Vulnerability: Local File Inclusion (LFI) in FreightCo theme (≤ 1.1.7), CVE‑2025‑69406, unauthenticated.
• Severity: High (CVSS 8.1). Attackers can potentially read arbitrary local files and expose sensitive data.
• Immediate risk: Disclosure of wp‑config.php (DB credentials), other secrets, and potential chain to remote code execution in some setups.
• No official vendor patch available for all affected versions at disclosure — operational mitigations are critical.
• Immediate recommended actions (prioritized): deactivate or replace the affected theme; apply WAF / virtual patch rules; audit logs and files; restore known‑good backups if compromise confirmed.

What is Local File Inclusion (LFI) and why does it matter?

Local File Inclusion occurs when server‑side code includes or reads files using a path influenced by user input without proper validation. In WordPress, LFI in a theme is particularly dangerous because WordPress installations contain configuration and credential files (e.g., wp‑config.php) and many hosts store backups/logs on the same filesystem. LFI can be combined with wrappers like php://filter, log poisoning, or file upload flaws to escalate to remote code execution (RCE).

Because the FreightCo LFI is exploitable without authentication, any public site using an affected version should be treated as at risk immediately.

What we know about CVE‑2025‑69406 (FreightCo ≤ 1.1.7)

• 漏洞类型：本地文件包含 (LFI)
• Affected software: FreightCo WordPress theme — versions up to and including 1.1.7
• Discovery credit: Tran Nguyen Bao Khanh (VCI – VNPT Cyber Immunity)
• Disclosure date (public): 11 Feb, 2026
• Exploitation: Unauthenticated (remote)
• CVSS v3.1 vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H — impact is high despite noted access complexity.

Patch availability: At disclosure there may be no official patch for all affected versions — apply operational mitigations immediately.

现实攻击场景

Illustrative attack chains an adversary might use:

1. Basic LFI file read — Path traversal (e.g., ../) used to read files outside the theme directory, such as /wp-config.php.
2. LFI + php://filter — Force return of PHP source using php://filter/convert.base64-encode/resource= to inspect source code for credentials or backdoors.
3. Log poisoning → LFI → RCE — Inject PHP into a writable log file, then include that log via LFI to achieve code execution.
4. File upload weaknesses + LFI — Upload attacker‑controlled file to predictable location and include it via the LFI.

如何检测您的网站是否被针对或利用

Be proactive. If you run FreightCo (≤ 1.1.7), search for these indicators:

HTTP access log indicators

Look for requests containing:

• ../, %2e%2e%2f, php://, 数据：, base64, filter/convert.base64-encode, etc/passwd

grep -E "(\.\./|php://|filter/convert\.base64|%2e%2e%2f|etc/passwd)" /var/log/apache2/access.log*

意外的文件更改

find /path/to/wordpress -type f -mtime -30 -name "*.php" -print

New admin users or modified privileges

wp 用户列表 --角色=管理员

Outbound connections or scheduled tasks

Check for unknown cron entries, unexpected PHP processes making outbound connections, or new scheduled jobs.

Malicious content in database

搜索 wp_options, wp_posts and other tables for unfamiliar content or injected scripts.

Suspicious PHP functions in files

grep -R --line-number -E "eval\(|base64_decode\(|create_function\(|shell_exec\(|system\(" /path/to/wp-content/themes/freightco

If you find evidence of exploitation, treat the site as compromised and follow the incident response checklist below.

Immediate steps — prioritized action plan (first 24–72 hours)

Actions are ordered by how quickly they reduce exposure.

1. 控制： Put the site into maintenance mode or take it offline if practical.
2. Deactivate the FreightCo theme: Switch to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty‑Three) or restrict access to the vulnerable endpoints via server controls.
3. Apply WAF / virtual patch protections: Block known exploit patterns (path traversal, php:// wrappers, base64 filter usage).
4. Prepare backups and restore points: Ensure you have clean backups from before disclosure; be ready to restore if compromise is detected.
5. Audit logs and files: Collect and preserve logs before making changes; search for IOCs as described above.
6. 轮换秘密： Reset DB password, WordPress salts and any API keys that may have been exposed.
7. 应用供应商补丁： When a vendor fix becomes available, test in staging then deploy.
8. 通知利益相关者： Inform site owners, hosting provider, and incident response team.
9. If you host multiple sites, repeat the above for all instances.

How to mitigate when no official patch exists (virtual patching / WAF)

Virtual patching via a WAF is the fastest operational control while waiting for a vendor fix. You can implement protections at multiple layers: ModSecurity, Nginx, CDN/WAF, or server PHP-level checks. Test any rule on staging to avoid breaking legitimate behavior.

ModSecurity / generic WAF rule examples (illustrative)

SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|REQUEST_HEADERS|REQUEST_BODY "(?i)(php://|data:|expect:)" \
  "id:100001,phase:2,deny,log,msg:'Block suspicious wrapper usage (possible LFI)',severity:2"

SecRule ARGS "(?:\.\./|\%2e\%2e\%2f)" \
  "id:100002,phase:2,deny,log,msg:'Block path traversal (possible LFI)',severity:2"

SecRule ARGS "(?i)filter/convert\.base64-encode/resource=" \
  "id:100003,phase:2,deny,log,msg:'Block php filter base64 usage (possible LFI)',severity:2"

SecRule REQUEST_FILENAME|ARGS "(?i)(wp-config\.php|\.env|passwd|shadow|/etc/passwd)" \
  "id:100004,phase:2,deny,log,msg:'Block attempts to access sensitive files',severity:2"

Nginx 示例

if ($request_uri ~* "(php://|data:|%2e%2e%2f|\.\./)") {
    return 403;
}

WordPress‑level measures

• Disable the vulnerable theme and switch to a safe theme.
• If the theme must remain active temporarily, restrict access to vulnerable endpoints at server or application level.

Warning: overly broad blocking rules can break legitimate features. Validate rules in a staging environment before wide deployment.

Example WAF pattern strings to watch for in logs

• php://filter/convert.base64-encode/resource=
• ../../../../wp-config.php
• %2e%2e%2f
• ../../..//etc/passwd
• data://text/plain;base64,
• Long sequences of ../ or encoded equivalents

Incident response checklist (if exploitation is confirmed)

1. 控制： Maintenance mode, block offending IPs, deactivate the vulnerable theme.
2. 根除： Remove web shells, backdoors, and malicious files; restore from a trusted backup if necessary.
3. 恢复： Reset credentials and salts; reinstall WordPress core, plugins, and themes from trusted sources; reintroduce traffic gradually.
4. 调查： Determine timeline of compromise, review logs for lateral movement and data exfiltration.
5. 事件后： Apply vendor patch, improve monitoring and WAF rules, update incident response playbook.

Recommended command‑line checks and WP‑CLI queries

wp user list --role=administrator --fields=ID,user_login,user_email,display_name,user_registered

grep -R --line-number -E "eval\(|base64_decode\(|shell_exec\(|system\(|passthru\(" wp-content/themes/freightco || true

find wp-content/uploads -type f -name "*.php" -print

find wp-content/themes/freightco -type f -mtime -30 -ls

grep -E "php://|filter/convert.base64|%2e%2e%2f|\.\./" /var/log/apache2/access.log | tail -n 10000 > suspicious_requests.log

加固和长期缓解措施

• Keep WordPress core, themes and plugins updated. Test patches in staging before production.
• 移除未使用的主题和插件以减少攻击面。.
• Enforce strict file permissions (files 644, directories 755) and limit exposure of wp-config.php 在可能的情况下。.
• 禁用仪表板中的文件编辑：

  define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

• Use least privilege for database and OS accounts.
• 保护 wp-admin 和 wp-login.php with IP restrictions, 2FA and strong passwords.
• Store backups and logs outside the web root and limit read access.
• Use regular file integrity checks and scheduled malware scans.
• Maintain tested backups and practice restore drills.
• For theme authors: validate input, use whitelists for includes, and conduct code reviews.

Practical example: secure include handling (developer guidance)

Vulnerable pattern:

// Vulnerable: including a file path directly from user input
$file = $_GET['page'];
include get_template_directory() . '/templates/' . $file . '.php';

Safe approach:

// Safe approach: use a whitelist mapping
$allowed = [
  'about' => 'templates/about.php',
  'contact' => 'templates/contact.php',
];

$page = $_GET['page'] ?? 'about';
if (! array_key_exists($page, $allowed)) {
    http_response_code(404);
    exit;
}
include get_template_directory() . '/' . $allowed[$page];

Key developer controls: never include files directly from user input, use strict whitelists, and confine includes to known directories.

Monitoring and detection (post‑mitigation)

• Retain detailed logs for at least 90 days (access, error, application logs).
• Set up alerts for path traversal patterns, multiple 404/403 spikes, new admin users, and file modifications.
• Use file integrity monitoring: hash theme/plugin files and alert on changes.
• Schedule regular vulnerability scans in staging and production.

If you run multiple sites or manage client sites

Treat all instances running FreightCo ≤ 1.1.7 as at risk. Apply mitigations centrally where possible (hosting platform, CDN, or WAF), and communicate risk and remediation timelines clearly to clients.

Why virtual patching matters in this case

Vendor patches can take time. Virtual patching provides immediate risk reduction by blocking exploit signatures, allowing safe testing and deployment of vendor fixes. Security teams should create and tune rules to balance protection with availability.

Checklist — Quick remediation playbook (copyable)

1. Identify affected sites (search for FreightCo theme ≤ 1.1.7).
2. Place site(s) into maintenance mode if exploitation suspected.
3. Deactivate FreightCo theme or switch to a safe theme.
4. 应用WAF规则以阻止 php://, filter/convert.base64, and path traversal attempts.
5. Collect logs and evidence of suspicious requests.
6. Scan site files for unknown PHP files / backdoors.
7. Rotate credentials and salts if sensitive files may have been read.
8. Restore from known‑good backup if compromise confirmed.
9. Reinstall WordPress core and all extensions from trusted sources.
10. Return to production with monitoring and continued vigilance.

常见问题解答（FAQ）

Q: Can LFI always lead to remote code execution (RCE)?

A: Not necessarily. LFI allows file disclosure. It can escalate to RCE if the environment allows inclusion of attacker‑controlled content (logs, uploads) or through wrappers like php://filter. Treat LFI as high risk and assume potential for escalation.

Q: Is my site safe if I use a managed host?

A: Hosting protections vary. A managed host may block basic exploit attempts, but you still need to ensure the theme is patched or protected. Confirm with your host and apply additional virtual patches where needed.

Q: Should I delete the FreightCo theme?

A: If you are not using it, delete it from disk. If you rely on it, deactivate and mitigate until an official, tested update is available.

Q: How long will virtual patching be needed?

A: Virtual patching is required until an official vendor fix is available and fully deployed across all affected sites. After patching, continue monitoring for signs of past compromise.

Closing: practical reality and risk posture

LFI vulnerabilities are common and can be dangerous when present in widely used themes. The FreightCo LFI (CVE‑2025‑69406) is high impact because it is unauthenticated and allows direct access to local files that often contain secrets. Containment, virtual patching, and a thorough audit for compromise are the immediate priorities — do not simply wait for a vendor patch.

协助和后续步骤

If you require help applying WAF rules, performing an incident triage, or carrying out a forensic review, engage a qualified security professional or your hosting provider’s security team. Preserve logs and evidence before making changes, and coordinate any restoration from backups carefully to avoid reintroducing compromised files.

Final recommendations — priority recap

1. Immediately identify and quarantine any site using FreightCo ≤ 1.1.7.
2. Apply WAF/virtual patches to block LFI attack patterns now.
3. Audit logs and files for evidence of attack; rotate secrets if needed.
4. Replace or update the theme as soon as a vendor patch is available and tested.
5. Implement longer‑term controls: regular scans, reliable backups, least privilege, and monitoring.

This advisory is provided from the perspective of a Hong Kong security expert to help site owners and administrators act quickly and reduce risk. For significant incidents, follow local reporting and disclosure requirements.