CVE-2026-22365: Soleng Theme Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22365 Overview

CVE-2026-22365 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Soleng WordPress theme by axiomthemes. The vulnerability arises from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, unauthorized access to configuration files, and potentially remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely to read sensitive files from the web server, potentially exposing database credentials, WordPress configuration data, and other critical system information.

Affected Products

• Soleng WordPress Theme versions through 1.0.5
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable Soleng theme
• Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• February 20, 2026 - CVE-2026-22365 published to NVD
• February 24, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22365

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Soleng WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP file inclusion operations. This allows an attacker to manipulate filename parameters to include arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. A successful exploitation results in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controllable parameters that are passed to PHP's include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions within the Soleng theme. The theme fails to implement proper allowlisting of acceptable file paths or adequate path traversal filtering, enabling attackers to traverse directories and include sensitive files.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable via network-based requests. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute file paths in vulnerable parameters. When processed by the theme, these manipulated inputs cause PHP to include unintended files from the server's filesystem.

Common exploitation targets include:

• /etc/passwd for user enumeration
• wp-config.php for database credentials
• Log files that may contain injected PHP code
• Session files for session hijacking

The vulnerability mechanism involves unsanitized user input being passed directly to PHP file inclusion functions. Attackers typically use directory traversal sequences to escape the intended directory and access sensitive system files. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22365

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme files
• Web server logs showing requests with file paths like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or /proc/self/environ
• Unexpected file access patterns in WordPress theme directories
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts from unexpected paths

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing directory traversal sequences targeting the Soleng theme
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Use SentinelOne Singularity Platform to detect anomalous file access patterns and potential LFI exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for PHP include/require operations
• Configure alerts for access attempts to sensitive system files from web server processes
• Monitor for unusual outbound connections that may indicate data exfiltration following successful exploitation
• Review WordPress debug logs for unexpected file inclusion warnings or errors

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22365

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Soleng WordPress theme to a patched version immediately if available
• If no patch is available, deactivate and remove the Soleng theme until a fix is released
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns
• Review web server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Conduct a security audit of the WordPress installation and any other installed themes/plugins

Patch Information

At the time of publication, users should check the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the latest patch information and remediation guidance from the vendor. Version 1.0.5 and all prior versions are confirmed vulnerable.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable or remove the Soleng theme and switch to a secure alternative theme
• Implement server-level path traversal filtering using ModSecurity or similar WAF solutions
• Restrict PHP's open_basedir directive to limit file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Apply the principle of least privilege to web server file system permissions
• Consider using a WordPress security plugin that provides virtual patching capabilities

# Configuration example - PHP open_basedir restriction
# Add to php.ini or .htaccess to limit PHP file access

# In php.ini:
open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/

# Or in .htaccess (if using Apache with mod_php):
php_value open_basedir "/var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/"