The Business CVE-2025-31430
CRITICALSeverity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
4DescriptionCVE.org
Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability in themeton The Business allows Object Injection. This issue affects The Business: from n/a through 1.6.1.
AnalysisAI
PHP Object Injection in 'The Business' WordPress theme through version 1.6.1 allows remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify data, or cause denial of service via deserialization of untrusted data. With CVSS 9.8 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N), exploitation requires no authentication or user interaction. EPSS score of 0.37% suggests low observed exploitation probability despite critical severity, though no public exploit code or CISA KEV listing exists at time of analysis. Patchstack cataloged this vulnerability, indicating security researcher attention to WordPress theme supply chain risks.
Technical ContextAI
This vulnerability stems from unsafe PHP deserialization (CWE-502) in 'The Business' WordPress theme by themeton. PHP's unserialize() function reconstructs objects from serialized strings without validation, allowing attackers to instantiate arbitrary classes and invoke magic methods (__wakeup, __destruct, __toString) with controlled properties. In WordPress themes, this commonly occurs when user-controlled data (HTTP parameters, cookies, post meta) is passed directly to unserialize(). The attack leverages existing classes in WordPress core, plugins, or the theme itself to build gadget chains that achieve code execution, file manipulation, or SQL injection. The CVSS vector indicates network-accessible exploitation with low complexity, meaning vulnerable endpoints accept untrusted serialized data without requiring authentication, making automated scanning and exploitation trivial once attack surface is identified.
Affected ProductsAI
WordPress theme 'The Business' by themeton, all versions through 1.6.1 inclusive, are vulnerable to PHP object injection via deserialization of untrusted data. Patchstack advisory available at https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/nrgbusiness/vulnerability/wordpress-the-business-1-6-1-php-object-injection-vulnerability provides technical details. No CPE identifier was provided in vulnerability data, complicating automated asset correlation. Users should verify theme installation via WordPress admin dashboard under Appearance > Themes or check for 'nrgbusiness' directory in wp-content/themes/.
RemediationAI
Upgrade 'The Business' theme to version 1.6.2 or later if available from themeton vendor, consulting https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/nrgbusiness/vulnerability/wordpress-the-business-1-6-1-php-object-injection-vulnerability for patch confirmation and testing guidance. If no patched version exists or vendor has abandoned the theme, immediately deactivate and replace with an actively maintained alternative theme, as PHP object injection vulnerabilities cannot be effectively mitigated through configuration changes or WAF rules due to the nature of deserialization exploits. As interim risk reduction if theme replacement requires business approval delays, restrict wp-admin access to trusted IP ranges via .htaccess or firewall rules to limit attack surface, though this does not prevent exploitation of front-end deserialization vectors. Deploy WordPress security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri with virtual patching capabilities, though effectiveness against deserialization attacks is limited. Monitor WordPress access logs and PHP error logs for suspicious POST parameters containing serialized data patterns (a:, O:, s:) targeting theme endpoints.
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External POC / Exploit Code
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