CVE-2026-22364: SevenTrees PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22364 Overview

CVE-2026-22364 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the SevenTrees WordPress theme developed by axiomthemes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server filesystem.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, or potentially achieve remote code execution by including files containing malicious PHP code.

Affected Products

• axiomthemes SevenTrees WordPress Theme version 1.0.2 and earlier

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-20 - CVE-2026-22364 published to NVD
• 2026-02-20 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22364

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The SevenTrees WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include or require statements. This allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include arbitrary local files from the web server.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because WordPress installations often contain sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which stores database credentials, authentication keys, and other critical security parameters. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially escalate the attack to full server compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the SevenTrees theme's PHP code. When user-controlled input is passed to PHP's include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions without proper sanitization, attackers can use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to navigate outside the intended directory and include sensitive system files.

The theme does not implement adequate path validation, allowlisting, or canonicalization of file paths before including them, creating an exploitable attack surface.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests to the vulnerable WordPress installation, manipulating parameters to include arbitrary local files.

A typical attack scenario involves:

1. The attacker identifies a vulnerable parameter in the SevenTrees theme that controls file inclusion
2. The attacker crafts a request with directory traversal sequences to reach sensitive files
3. The PHP interpreter includes and potentially executes the contents of the specified file
4. Sensitive information is disclosed or arbitrary code execution is achieved

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22364

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting the SevenTrees theme directory
• Web server access logs showing attempts to access wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or other sensitive files through theme parameters
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with path traversal sequences
• Unexpected file access patterns in application logs originating from theme components

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing directory traversal patterns
• Monitor HTTP request parameters for common LFI payloads including ../, encoded traversal sequences, and null byte injection attempts
• Configure SIEM alerts for high volumes of 404 or 500 errors originating from the themes directory
• Review WordPress audit logs for suspicious theme-related activity

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed access logging on the web server to capture full request URIs and parameters
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on WordPress core files and theme directories
• Set up real-time alerting for access attempts to sensitive configuration files
• Monitor for unusual PHP process activity or unexpected file reads

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22364

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the SevenTrees theme to a patched version if one becomes available from axiomthemes
• Consider temporarily disabling or removing the SevenTrees theme if no patch is available
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing directory traversal patterns targeting the theme
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the scope of potential file inclusion attacks
• Review server configurations to disable dangerous PHP functions if not required

Patch Information

As of the last update on 2026-02-20, organizations should check the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the latest patch availability and remediation guidance from the vendor. Monitor axiomthemes for security updates addressing versions 1.0.2 and earlier.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules specifically designed to detect and block LFI attack patterns
• Use PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Implement input validation at the application or server level to reject requests with traversal sequences
• Move sensitive configuration files outside the web root where possible
• Consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme until an official patch is released

# Example PHP configuration to restrict file access
# Add to php.ini or .htaccess
open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/
disable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen