CVE-2026-28052 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the ThemeREX Peter Mason theme. This vulnerability allows improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs, which can lead to PHP local file inclusion. Specifically, the vulnerability is present in versions up to 1.4.5. As a result, it poses significant risks to organizations using this theme, allowing attackers to access sensitive files and potentially execute malicious code.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.1, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction, which further increases the risk. Organizations should be aware that this vulnerability could lead to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Currently, the vulnerability status is deferred, meaning it may not yet be actively exploited. However, organizations must remain vigilant and prepare for potential exploitation. With a high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, it is essential to prioritize remediation efforts.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive files, which could lead to further exploitation or data breaches. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-28052 relates to improper control of filenames in the ThemeREX Peter Mason theme, classified as a PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability. The issue affects versions of the theme from n/a through 1.4.5. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 indicates high severity, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts all rated as high. The vulnerability was published on March 5, 2026, and the associated CWE classification is CWE-98.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-28052 is improper control over input paths that can be included in PHP scripts. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to include arbitrary files from the server or remote locations, leading to potential data exposure or code execution. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, with a high attack complexity due to the requirement for specific configurations to exploit successfully.
No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not necessary. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as attackers could potentially access sensitive information, alter data, or disrupt service availability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations should understand the real-world risks posed by CVE-2026-28052. The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive files can lead to significant data breaches. The risk is exacerbated by the high score of 8.1, indicating that the vulnerability is critical in environments where the ThemeREX Peter Mason theme is deployed. Organizations must address this vulnerability through immediate patching or remediation efforts.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects ThemeREX Peter Mason theme versions from n/a through 1.4.5. Organizations using these versions should prioritize upgrading to the latest patched version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should implement the following measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2026-28052. First, ensure that the ThemeREX Peter Mason theme is updated to the latest version. If immediate patching is not possible, consider applying configuration hardening to restrict file inclusion capabilities. Lastly, continuous monitoring of the application should be established to detect any anomalies.
Penetration testing can also be beneficial to validate the effectiveness of the applied mitigations.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual file access patterns, particularly related to include or require statements in PHP scripts. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application performance may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2026-28052 represents a significant risk in PHP-based applications, particularly those using the ThemeREX Peter Mason theme. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing file inclusion mechanisms, as they are often targeted by attackers. Organizations should learn from this incident to enhance their application security posture.
As a strategic takeaway, organizations are encouraged to review their file inclusion practices and ensure they are robust against potential exploitation. Engaging in regular security assessments, such as application security assessments, can provide ongoing visibility into vulnerabilities like this.
Furthermore, organizations should consider leveraging resources such as vulnerability management programs to proactively identify and remediate similar weaknesses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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