CVE-2026-24609 is a high-severity vulnerability that allows for PHP Local File Inclusion in the Elated-Themes Laurent theme. This vulnerability arises from improper control of filename for include/require statements, which can lead to unauthorized file access and manipulation.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. This score reflects the potential impact of the vulnerability, which includes risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive files, which could lead to data breaches and exploitation of system resources. Given the vulnerability's high exploitability score, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept (PoC) codes for this vulnerability, but its existence in a widely used PHP theme raises concerns about potential future exploitation. Organizations using the affected theme should schedule remediation as soon as possible.
Vulnerability Details
The Elated-Themes Laurent theme is vulnerable due to improper control of filename for include/require statements, which is classified under CWE-98. This issue affects all versions of the theme up to and including version 3.1.
The vulnerability was published on January 23, 2026, and marked as deferred, indicating that it may not be actively managed at this time. Organizations using this theme should remain vigilant and monitor for any updates or patches.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of filenames within the include/require statements in PHP code. This misconfiguration creates an attack vector that can be exploited over the network.
The attack complexity is high, meaning that an attacker must possess some level of skill to exploit it. Low privileges are required for exploitation, and no user interaction is necessary, which increases the risk.
The impact of successful exploitation is significant, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations should assess their network architecture to understand how this vulnerability may impact their systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk for this vulnerability is high due to the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive files. If exploited, the blast radius could extend significantly, leading to data breaches and system compromises.
Given the CVSS score of 7.5, organizations should prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management cycles. The absence of known exploits does not negate the urgency; proactive measures must be taken to mitigate risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The Elated-Themes Laurent theme is affected from version n/a to version 3.1. Organizations should ensure they are using a patched version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching to address CVE-2026-24609. If a patch is not available, consider implementing configuration hardening measures and network controls to limit exposure. Continuous monitoring for unusual activity is also recommended.
For additional guidance, organizations may refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts related to file inclusion vulnerabilities. Behavioral anomalies and any unauthorized access to files should be investigated promptly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2026-24609 highlights the ongoing challenges organizations face in securing web applications, particularly those relying on third-party themes and plugins. It serves as a reminder for security teams to adopt rigorous security practices, including regular vulnerability assessments and timely patch management.
Organizations are encouraged to review their security posture and enhance their defensive strategies. For comprehensive assessments, consider exploring the application security assessment services offered by AppSecure.
Awareness of vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-24609 can significantly enhance an organization's security framework, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful attacks.
To stay informed about evolving threats, organizations may benefit from engaging in continuous security education and training for their teams. For more insights, refer to the vulnerability management program design resources available through AppSecure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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