CVE-2026-28023 is a high-severity vulnerability in the ThemeREX Nuts plugin, which allows for PHP Local File Inclusion. This vulnerability arises from improper control of the filename in include or require statements, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files within the application. The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 8.1, indicating a high level of risk, which necessitates immediate attention from organizations using this theme.
The risk to organizations includes the possibility of attackers exploiting this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information stored on the server. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is particularly critical for systems that handle sensitive user data. As such, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but its exploitation status is high due to its potential impact. Organizations using ThemeREX Nuts should be aware of this vulnerability and take appropriate measures to mitigate the associated risks.
The urgency for defenders is clear; with the potential for significant data loss or unauthorized access, timely remediation is essential to maintaining organizational security.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE description notes that this vulnerability allows for PHP Local File Inclusion due to improper control of the filename in PHP include statements. It affects ThemeREX Nuts versions up to 1.10. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filename for include/require statements.
The CVSS score of 8.1 indicates a high severity level, with the vulnerability being exploitable over a network with high complexity and no privileges required. This vulnerability was published on March 5, 2026, and has been marked as deferred in its status.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-28023 stems from insufficient validation of user input in filename parameters for include statements in PHP. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by crafting requests that manipulate the filename, leading to local file inclusion.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no user interaction and allowing exploitation without any privileges. Attack complexity is high, as attackers must have specific knowledge about the application structure to successfully exploit the vulnerability. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all classified as high.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The potential real-world deployment risk for organizations using ThemeREX Nuts is significant. An attacker capable of exploiting this vulnerability may gain access to sensitive configurations or user data stored on the server, leading to broader security implications.
This vulnerability matters to organizations as it exposes critical data and may lead to compliance issues, especially for those handling personal data under regulations such as GDPR. The blast radius could extend to all users of the affected theme, thus amplifying the risk.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects ThemeREX Nuts version 1.10 and all prior versions. As there is no specific version information available beyond this, organizations should consider any version prior to the vendor patch as vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the vendor patch immediately to address this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the affected files and implementing configuration hardening to mitigate risks.
Additionally, organizations may want to engage in penetration testing to ensure that their systems are not susceptible to similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual file access patterns and validate that no unauthorized files are being included. Behavioral anomalies in application interactions may also warrant investigation, along with monitoring for network signatures indicative of exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability reflects a broader trend in web application security where improper input validation remains a common cause of serious security issues. Security teams should learn from this incident to bolster their defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
To further enhance application security, organizations should consider implementing regular security assessments and vulnerability management practices. For detailed guidance on establishing a robust security framework, consult our vulnerability management program design guide.
For organizations operating in cloud environments, it’s essential to proactively assess security postures and implement protective measures against similar vulnerabilities. Our cloud penetration testing guide offers critical insights on maintaining strong security in cloud infrastructures.
Furthermore, security teams should be aware of the evolving threat landscape and continuously adapt their strategies. Engaging with our resources on penetration testing methodology can provide valuable knowledge for refining defensive measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)