CVE-2025-69369: Axiomthemes Racquet File Inclusion Vulnerability (CVSS 8.1)

Technical summary

This vulnerability exploits improper input validation in PHP file inclusion mechanisms (CWE-98). An attacker can craft requests that manipulate the filename parameter passed to PHP's include() or require() functions, bypassing intended access controls. While the vulnerability description references Remote File Inclusion, the affected product's actual exposure is Local File Inclusion (LFI)—the ability to read or execute arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability requires network access but no authentication, though the attack complexity is rated as high, suggesting the exploitation path may depend on specific application state or uncommon request patterns.

Business impact

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files (database credentials, API keys), application source code, or system files. In worst-case scenarios, if the application's file-inclusion logic can be chained with other flaws or upload mechanisms, arbitrary code execution becomes possible, leading to full server compromise, data theft, or service disruption.

Affected systems

Axiomthemes Racquet versions from the initial release through version 1.12.0 are confirmed vulnerable. Organizations using Racquet as a theme or component should verify their deployment version. The vendor list provided in the source data is empty, so assume Axiomthemes is the sole known affected vendor at this time; check vendor advisories for any related or rebranded products.

Exploitability

The vulnerability is network-accessible and requires no authentication, which lowers the barrier to attack. However, CVSS rates attack complexity as high (AC:H), indicating the attacker must satisfy specific conditions—such as knowledge of the exact parameter name, file path structure, or application behavior—to succeed. Exploitation is feasible but not trivial; it is not currently listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, suggesting active exploitation in the wild has not yet been widely reported as of the source data timestamp.

Remediation

Upgrade Axiomthemes Racquet to a patched version beyond 1.12.0 as soon as available from the vendor. In the interim, implement strict input validation and allowlisting for any file-inclusion parameters, disable remote URL wrappers in PHP configuration (allow_url_include=Off), and restrict filesystem permissions to limit the damage from LFI. Monitor access logs for suspicious file paths or repeated inclusion attempts.

Patch guidance

Contact Axiomthemes or check their official website for patch availability for Racquet. Security updates addressing this vulnerability should be released and tested in a non-production environment before deployment. If a patch version number is published, verify it exceeds 1.12.0 before considering your systems remediated.

Detection guidance

Monitor application logs and web server access logs for requests containing suspicious file-inclusion patterns (e.g., '../', 'file://', '/etc/passwd', or similar path traversal or sensitive file references in URL parameters). Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block requests with path traversal sequences. Conduct a code review of any custom modifications to Racquet that interact with file inclusion functions.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits prompt attention due to its high CVSS score (8.1), network-accessible attack vector, and lack of authentication requirements. The high severity reflects potential for confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Although not yet in KEV and with elevated attack complexity, the widespread use of WordPress themes and plugins (if Racquet is deployed similarly) means exposure could be significant.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 (HIGH) reflects: (1) Network-accessible attack vector with no authentication; (2) High attack complexity, reducing but not eliminating practical risk; (3) Impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. Organizations with Racquet in customer-facing or data-processing roles face elevated risk; internal or low-traffic deployments face lower practical risk unless combined with other vulnerabilities.

Frequently asked questions