Overview
The CVE-2025-6989 vulnerability is a notable cybersecurity concern that affects the Kallyas theme for WordPress, a widely-used framework for building WordPress websites. The vulnerability originates from the delete_font() function and allows attackers to delete arbitrary folders on the server due to insufficient file path validation.
This vulnerability is significant because it exposes numerous websites built using Kallyas theme to attacks that can potentially lead to system compromise or data leakage. As the vulnerability could be exploited by any authenticated user with Contributor-level access and above, it also raises concerns about insider threats.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-6989
Severity: High, CVSS score 8.1
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: Low (Contributor-level access)
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage.
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Product | Affected Versions
Kallyas WordPress Theme | Up to and including 4.21.0
How the Exploit Works
The exploit takes advantage of the delete_font() function in the Kallyas WordPress theme, which lacks proper file path validation. An attacker with Contributor-level access can manipulate this function to delete any folder on the server, not just the intended font folders. By deleting critical system or application folders, the attacker could cause significant disruption or even compromise the system.
Conceptual Example Code
Below is a conceptual example of how an attacker might exploit this vulnerability. This pseudocode demonstrates a HTTP POST request to the delete_font() function, providing an arbitrary directory path instead of a valid font name.
POST /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=zn_delete_font HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
Cookie: [authenticated session cookie]
font_name=../../../important-folderIn this example, the `font_name` parameter is manipulated to point to an arbitrary directory (`../../../important-folder`). The server, failing to validate the path properly, would delete the specified folder, potentially leading to a system compromise or data leakage.
Mitigation Guidance
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-6989, it is recommended to apply the vendor-provided patch as soon as possible. If this is not immediately feasible, temporary mitigation can be achieved by deploying Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules or Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to monitor and block suspicious requests to the `zn_delete_font` action. However, this is a temporary solution and the patch should still be applied as soon as possible to avoid future exploitation.