CVE-2025-26592: Lab Plugin PHP File Inclusion Flaw

CVE-2025-26592 Overview

CVE-2025-26592 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the axiomthemes Lab WordPress theme. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can exploit this weakness over the network without authentication to include arbitrary local files in the PHP execution context. The vulnerability affects all versions of Lab up to and including 1.0.0. Successful exploitation can lead to sensitive file disclosure, source code exposure, and in some configurations, remote code execution through log poisoning or session file inclusion.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can include arbitrary local files in PHP execution, exposing credentials, configuration data, and potentially achieving code execution on the WordPress host.

Affected Products

axiomthemes Lab WordPress theme versions through 1.0.0
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Lab theme
PHP environments where the theme processes user-controlled include paths

Discovery Timeline

2025-06-09 - CVE-2025-26592 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-26592

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in how the Lab theme handles filename input passed to PHP file inclusion functions. The theme accepts user-controllable parameters and passes them directly to include, require, include_once, or require_once statements without proper sanitization or allow-list validation.

This class of flaw, categorized under [CWE-98], allows attackers to traverse directories and load files outside the intended scope. The vulnerability carries network-based attack characteristics with no authentication or user interaction required, though successful exploitation requires specific knowledge of the target filesystem layout.

The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can read wp-config.php to extract database credentials and secret keys. They can also access system files such as /etc/passwd or PHP session files depending on web server permissions.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of filename input used in PHP include statements. The theme fails to validate path components, restrict file extensions, or enforce a strict allow-list of permitted include targets. Attacker-supplied input flows directly into file inclusion APIs.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and targets HTTP endpoints exposed by the Lab theme. An attacker crafts a request containing a manipulated parameter that controls the include path. The vulnerability is described as Local File Inclusion, meaning the attacker references files already present on the server filesystem. Common exploitation paths include reading WordPress configuration files, accessing PHP session storage, or chaining the LFI with log poisoning to achieve remote code execution.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-26592

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Lab theme PHP files containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or null byte injections
Web server access logs showing requests with parameter values referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or php://filter wrappers
Unexpected PHP process reads of sensitive configuration files originating from theme directories
Outbound connections or file modifications shortly after suspicious inclusion requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress access logs for query parameters containing filesystem paths or PHP stream wrappers targeting Lab theme endpoints
Deploy web application firewall rules that block path traversal patterns and known LFI payload signatures
Monitor PHP-FPM and web server processes for file reads outside the WordPress document root
Correlate authentication-free HTTP requests against theme files with subsequent anomalous filesystem activity

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose logging on WordPress installations using the Lab theme until patched or removed
Alert on access to wp-config.php, .env, and PHP session files from web server processes
Track HTTP response codes and sizes for theme endpoints to identify anomalous file disclosure responses

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-26592

Immediate Actions Required

Disable or remove the axiomthemes Lab theme from any WordPress installation running version 1.0.0 or earlier
Switch to a supported, maintained theme until a vendor patch becomes available
Rotate WordPress secret keys, database credentials, and any secrets that may have been exposed through wp-config.php
Deploy WAF rules blocking path traversal and PHP wrapper payloads against theme endpoints

Patch Information

No vendor-supplied patch is referenced in the available advisory data. The Patchstack advisory lists affected versions through 1.0.0 with no fixed release identified. Consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for current remediation status.

Workarounds

Remove the Lab theme directory from wp-content/themes/ if the theme is not actively used
Restrict PHP open_basedir to limit file inclusion scope to the WordPress installation directory
Configure web server rules to deny direct requests to PHP files within the Lab theme directory
Apply virtual patching through a WAF until the theme is removed or updated

bash

# Restrict PHP file inclusion scope via php.ini
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"

# Apache rule to block direct theme PHP access
<Directory "/var/www/html/wp-content/themes/lab">
    <FilesMatch "\.php$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>