CVE-2026-22331: AutoParts Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22331 Overview

CVE-2026-22331 is an unauthenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the AutoParts WordPress theme in versions 1.5.8 and earlier. The flaw is categorized under [CWE-98] (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). Remote attackers can leverage the issue over the network without prior authentication or user interaction, abusing improperly validated file path parameters to include arbitrary files on the host server.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive files, expose configuration secrets, and potentially achieve code execution by including attacker-controlled content.

Affected Products

AutoParts WordPress theme versions 1.5.8 and earlier
WordPress installations using the vulnerable AutoParts theme
Hosting environments where the theme is active and reachable from the internet

Discovery Timeline

2026-06-17 - CVE-2026-22331 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22331

Vulnerability Analysis

The AutoParts theme exposes a request-handling code path that accepts a filename or path parameter and passes it to a PHP include, require, or equivalent file-loading function without sufficient validation. Because the input is untrusted and the inclusion target is not constrained to a safe allowlist, attackers can supply traversal sequences or alternate paths to load files outside the intended directory.

The issue maps to [CWE-98], which covers PHP file inclusion flaws where filename control flows from user input into an include statement. Patchstack tracks the issue in its Patchstack Local File Inclusion Advisory for the AutoParts theme.

The EPSS probability is 0.363% at the 28th percentile, indicating limited observed exploitation activity at the time of publication. No public proof-of-concept or CISA KEV listing is associated with this CVE.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of a filename parameter used in a PHP file inclusion call. The vulnerable code path accepts attacker-supplied input and does not restrict it to a safe set of files, allowing path traversal characters and arbitrary local paths to resolve to sensitive resources.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable endpoint exposed by the AutoParts theme, supplying a manipulated file path parameter. The PHP runtime then includes the targeted file, returning its contents or executing it within the application context.

No verified exploit code is published. Technical details are available in the Patchstack Local File Inclusion Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22331

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to AutoParts theme endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded null bytes
Requests referencing sensitive system files such as /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or PHP wrappers like php://filter
Unexpected access to PHP files inside the wp-content/themes/autoparts/ directory from external IP addresses

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server access logs for query parameters carrying file paths, traversal patterns, or PHP stream wrappers targeting AutoParts theme URLs
Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that block LFI patterns against WordPress theme endpoints
Correlate anomalous file reads on the web server with inbound HTTP requests to identify successful inclusion attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on PHP processes reading files outside the WordPress installation root, especially configuration and credential files
Track repeated 200-status responses to suspicious theme parameters that previously returned 404 or 403
Forward web server, PHP-FPM, and WAF telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for cross-source correlation

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22331

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress sites running the AutoParts theme at version 1.5.8 or earlier and isolate exposed instances
Apply the vendor patch as soon as it is available, or switch to an alternative theme until a fix is published
Restrict access to administrative and theme-specific endpoints behind authentication or IP allowlists where feasible

Patch Information

Review the Patchstack Local File Inclusion Advisory for the latest fixed version guidance. Upgrade to a release that resolves [CWE-98] in the AutoParts theme and verify the version after deployment.

Workarounds

Deploy WAF signatures that block path traversal patterns and PHP stream wrappers on requests targeting AutoParts theme paths
Configure PHP open_basedir and disable_functions to constrain which files and functions the web application can access
Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to reduce the impact of inclusion flaws

bash

# Configuration example: restrict PHP file inclusion behavior
# /etc/php/php.ini
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"