CVE-2026-28013 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the ThemeREX Kratz theme, specifically versions up to and including 1.0.12. This vulnerability allows for local file inclusion due to improper control of the filename in include or require statements within PHP programs. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.1, indicating a high level of severity due to its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The nature of this vulnerability means that attackers may leverage it to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server. Organizations that utilize the ThemeREX Kratz theme should prioritize immediate patching to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
As of now, there are no known exploits publicly available for CVE-2026-28013, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database. However, the high CVSS score indicates that the potential risk should not be underestimated, and organizations should address this in their priority patch cycle.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to secure their systems against this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2026-28013 vulnerability is classified as a PHP Remote File Inclusion vulnerability. It is characterized by improper control of the filename for include or require statements, allowing local file inclusion on affected installations of the Kratz theme. This vulnerability is associated with the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) ID CWE-98.
The vulnerability was published on March 5, 2026, and has been marked as deferred in its current status. The CVSS v3.1 vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that the attack vector is network-based, requires high attack complexity, and does not require any privileges or user interaction.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the ThemeREX Kratz theme handles filename inputs for PHP include/require statements. Insufficient validation of these inputs can lead to unauthorized access to local files, potentially exposing sensitive information stored on the server.
The attack vector is network-based, with an attack complexity classified as high, meaning that an attacker would need to exploit specific conditions to succeed. Importantly, this vulnerability requires no privileges and does not necessitate user interaction, making it easier for attackers to exploit.
The impacts of this vulnerability are significant, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, making it critical for organizations using the affected versions of the Kratz theme to take immediate action.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2026-28013 includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive files, leading to data breaches and significant operational disruptions. Organizations using the ThemeREX Kratz theme should recognize the urgency of addressing this vulnerability in their patch cycle, given its high CVSS score of 8.1.
The blast radius for this vulnerability extends across all installations of the Kratz theme prior to version 1.0.13. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it could be leveraged by attackers to orchestrate broader attacks against the organizational infrastructure.
Organizations should schedule remediation as soon as possible and prioritize patching to mitigate potential risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version of the ThemeREX Kratz theme is all versions prior to 1.0.13. Organizations using this theme should ensure that they upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2026-28013.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply patches as soon as they are available from the vendor. It is crucial to upgrade to the latest version of the ThemeREX Kratz theme, specifically version 1.0.13 or later. If a patch is not available, organizations should consider implementing workarounds such as disabling PHP file inclusion features or enhancing input validation mechanisms.
Additionally, organizations can strengthen their security posture by adopting configuration hardening practices, implementing strict network controls, and regularly monitoring their systems for any signs of exploitation attempts.
For further guidance on security practices, organizations can refer to our comprehensive application security assessment resources.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for any anomalies related to file inclusion attempts. Indicators may include unusual file access patterns or attempts to include files from unexpected directories. Additionally, network signatures can be employed to identify and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-28013 lies in its demonstration of the importance of secure coding practices in PHP applications. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with inadequate input validation and the potential for local file inclusion attacks.
Security teams should take this as a lesson to implement robust validation mechanisms in their applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular security assessments, such as penetration testing, can help identify and remediate such weaknesses proactively.
Organizations should also stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities by following trends in application security, which can be accessed through our blog on vulnerability management program design.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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