Warning: Hackers Exploiting WordPress Theme Flaw for Site Takeovers!

Hot Take:

Who knew that a theme about being “Alone” could end up in such bad company? The Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme, ironically designed to help, has become the unwilling host of threat actors intent on taking over the world, one unsuspecting website at a time. It’s like adopting a cute puppy, only to find out it’s a Trojan horse with a penchant for digital mischief.

Key Points:

• A critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-5394, has been found in the “Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme,” with a CVSS score of 9.8.
• The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files and execute remote code, leading to potential site takeovers.
• Affected versions are all those prior to and including 7.8.3, with the issue fixed in version 7.8.5.
• The vulnerability began exploitation on July 12, 2025, shortly before its public disclosure.
• Wordfence has blocked over 120,900 exploit attempts from various IP addresses.

Alone, but Not Safe

In an ironic twist of fate, the “Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme” finds itself at the center of a storm, as CVE-2025-5394 threatens to turn benign websites into digital playgrounds for cyber miscreants. With a staggering CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is not just a small crack in the wall; it’s more like a gaping hole inviting the entire underbelly of the internet to come crashing in.

Plug and Prey

Thanks to a missing capability check in the “alone_import_pack_install_plugin()” function, the vulnerability allows anyone with a mischievous mind and an internet connection to upload arbitrary plugins. Imagine inviting guests to a party, only to find out they’re bringing their own sound system, and they’re not playing your favorite tunes. Instead, they’re executing remote code and taking over the DJ booth entirely. It’s a hacker’s dream and a webmaster’s nightmare.

Exploitation on Steroids

Evidence suggests that threat actors were quick to pounce on CVE-2025-5394, with exploit attempts kicking off on July 12, 2025. These digital bandits have been busy, with over 120,900 attempts blocked by Wordfence alone. It’s like a game of Whac-A-Mole, but with hackers popping up from a myriad of IP addresses, each more eager than the last to exploit the vulnerability and take sites for a joyride.

ZIP-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

In the wild world of cyber exploits, attackers have been deploying ZIP files like confetti at a parade. These aren’t your ordinary ZIP files, though. Packed with PHP-based backdoors, they allow for remote command execution and the creation of rogue admin accounts. It’s like sending a Trojan horse gift basket, with a side of chaos and a dash of mayhem, all tied up in a neat little ZIP bow.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes, Some Wear WordPress Updates

For WordPress site owners, the message is clear: update, update, update! Applying the latest version of the theme, 7.8.5, is like donning a digital superhero cape, warding off the evildoers lurking in the shadows. Meanwhile, keeping an eye on admin users and scanning logs for suspicious activity is akin to having a security detail on high alert. In the battle against cyber threats, vigilance and proactive measures are the best defense.

In a world where even themes designed for charity can become targets, it’s a reminder that no good deed goes unpunished in the cyber realm. So, keep your WordPress sites updated, your admin panels secure, and remember: in the fight against digital villains, you’re not alone—unless, of course, you’re still using version 7.8.3.