CVE-2026-28045 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability affecting the ThemeREX N7 | Golf Club Sports & Events theme. This vulnerability allows improper control of the filename for include/require statements in PHP, leading to PHP Local File Inclusion. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive files and system information. Organizations utilizing this theme should be aware of the risks involved and take immediate action.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating a high level of severity. This score is derived from factors such as the attack vector being network-based, high attack complexity, and a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. With the published date on March 5, 2026, and its deferred status, defenders are urged to prioritize remediation.
Risk to organizations includes potential exploitation that could result in unauthorized file access and compromise of sensitive information. As such, it is critical that organizations address this vulnerability in their patch management cycles to mitigate risks effectively.
Currently, there are no known exploits, and it has not been added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database, but organizations should remain vigilant and prepare for any future disclosures.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2026-28045 vulnerability allows for PHP Local File Inclusion due to improper control of filenames in the ThemeREX N7 | Golf Club Sports & Events theme. The official description highlights the potential for attackers to exploit this issue in versions up to 2.16.0. The vulnerability falls under CWE-98, which pertains to improper control of filenames.
The CVSS score associated with this vulnerability is 8.1, categorized as high severity. The assessment indicates a network attack vector, high complexity, and no privileges or user interaction required for successful exploitation. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high.
Organizations should be aware that the vulnerability affects all versions of the software prior to the vendor's patches, which are expected to address these issues.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-28045 stems from the improper handling of filenames within the PHP code of the theme. This issue arises when the application includes files based on user input without adequate validation. Attackers may leverage this flaw to include arbitrary files, potentially leading to remote code execution or information disclosure.
The attack vector is classified as network-based, meaning that an attacker does not need physical access to the target system. Given that no privileges are required, even unauthorized users can exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, no user interaction is necessary, simplifying the exploitation process.
The impact assessment indicates that successful exploitation could lead to significant consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, alteration of system files, and potential disruption of services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying ThemeREX N7 | Golf Club Sports & Events should recognize the real-world deployment risks associated with CVE-2026-28045. Given the high CVSS score and potential for exploitation, organizations must act swiftly to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data leaks.
The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is heightened by its potential impact on organizational security. The blast radius could be substantial, affecting not only the immediate system but also any connected environments and users.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect against this vulnerability, especially considering that it has been flagged for high remediation priority.
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 N7 | Golf Club Sports & Events up to and including 2.16.0. Organizations should ensure they have updated to the latest patched version as soon as possible.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by the vendor for the ThemeREX N7 | Golf Club Sports & Events theme. If a patch is not available, consider implementing the following workarounds:
Perform configuration hardening by restricting file inclusions to known safe paths. Additionally, implement network controls to limit access to the application from untrusted sources. Regular monitoring for any unusual file access patterns or anomalies is also recommended.
For further guidance on validating remediation effectiveness, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses that may still exist.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for indicators of unauthorized file access or anomalies associated with include statements. Behavioral anomalies, including unexpected file inclusions or access to sensitive files, should be investigated promptly.
Additionally, network signatures that could indicate exploitation attempts should be established to detect potential intrusions or attacks.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2026-28045 highlights the ongoing challenge of file inclusion vulnerabilities within PHP applications. This incident underscores the importance of robust coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced.
Security teams should learn from this vulnerability to enhance their defensive strategies, particularly in managing file inclusions. It is essential to adopt a proactive approach to security, employing measures such as code reviews and dynamic application security testing.
Organizations can benefit from engaging in tailored penetration testing methodologies to effectively identify and address vulnerabilities within their applications.
Furthermore, organizations are encouraged to stay informed about trends in vulnerability management and actively participate in community discussions to improve their overall security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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