CVE-2026-28028 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the ThemeREX MoneyFlow plugin. This vulnerability allows improper control of the filename for include/require statements in PHP programs, specifically leading to PHP Local File Inclusion. The risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive data, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches. It is crucial for organizations utilizing this plugin to address the vulnerability promptly due to its high CVSS score of 8.1, indicating significant risk.
The vulnerability was published on March 5, 2026, and affects all versions of the MoneyFlow plugin up to and including version 1.0. The vulnerability status is currently marked as deferred, however, organizations should not underestimate the potential impact. Although there are no known exploits or public proof of concepts at this time, the nature of the vulnerability poses risks that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Given the high severity rating and the potential consequences, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Regular monitoring and an updated security posture are essential to safeguard against potential exploits that could arise in the future.
Organizations must take immediate actions to assess their systems, apply necessary patches, and enhance their security measures to prevent any potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described as 'Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program' allows for PHP Local File Inclusion within the ThemeREX MoneyFlow plugin. The issue affects MoneyFlow versions from n/a through version 1.0.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.1, classifying it as high severity. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low attack complexity with no privileges required. Importantly, user interaction is not necessary for exploitation, and the impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98, indicating an issue with improper control of filenames in include statements, which can lead to local file inclusion.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-28028 stems from the improper handling of filenames in PHP include/require statements. This flaw can be exploited by attackers who can manipulate input to include arbitrary files from the server's filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive information.
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must be able to send crafted requests to the web application that includes the vulnerable plugin. The attack complexity is high due to the requirement for specific conditions to be met, but the impact of successful exploitation can be severe, leading to unauthorized data access.
No user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, increasing the risk as attackers can execute their attacks remotely without needing physical access to the system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the server. The high attack vector and complexity mean that while exploitation may require specific conditions, the potential for damage is significant.
Organizations utilizing the ThemeREX MoneyFlow plugin should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. Given the nature of the vulnerability, the blast radius could extend to any system relying on this plugin, making it crucial for organizations to take immediate action to protect their assets.
The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is high, and organizations should consider it a priority in their patching cycle to mitigate the risk of potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of ThemeREX MoneyFlow up to and including version 1.0. Organizations using this plugin should ensure they are using the patched version to mitigate the risk of local file inclusion.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the vendor as soon as possible. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the vulnerable components or disabling the affected functionality until a fix is deployed.
Organizations should also enhance their configuration hardening measures, ensure proper input validation, and conduct regular security assessments to detect similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For comprehensive security improvement, organizations may consider engaging in continuous security testing to identify potential weaknesses in their applications.
Detection Guidance
Monitor your application logs for indications of unauthorized file access or attempts to include files through the PHP include/require statements. Behavioral anomalies and unusual patterns in access requests should also be flagged for further investigation.
It is crucial to implement network signatures to detect such exploitation attempts and to keep your security tools updated to recognize potential threats.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-28028 highlights the need for robust file handling practices in PHP applications. It represents a common misconfiguration that can lead to severe vulnerabilities if not properly addressed.
Security teams must learn from this incident and ensure that their applications have proper controls to prevent local file inclusion attacks. Regular vulnerability assessments and proactive security measures are essential in the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Organizations should also stay informed about trends in web application vulnerabilities to strengthen their defenses against similar issues in the future. For more information on vulnerability management practices, see our vulnerability management program guide.
The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor oversights in coding practices can have major repercussions. Organizations are encouraged to adopt secure coding standards and continually review their applications for potential vulnerabilities.
For organizations looking to improve their security posture, engaging in penetration testing services can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of their existing security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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