CVE-2026-22367: Coworking Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22367 Overview

CVE-2026-22367 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the AncoraThemes Coworking WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in include/require statements within the PHP application, allowing attackers to include local files on the server. This weakness, classified as CWE-98, enables unauthorized access to sensitive files and potentially arbitrary code execution through log poisoning or other advanced exploitation techniques.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive server files, access configuration data containing credentials, and potentially achieve remote code execution through chained attacks.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes Coworking WordPress Theme version 1.6.1 and earlier
• WordPress installations running vulnerable Coworking theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-20 - CVE CVE-2026-22367 published to NVD
• 2026-02-24 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22367

Vulnerability Analysis

This Local File Inclusion vulnerability exists due to improper validation of user-supplied input before it is used in PHP include or require statements. The Coworking theme fails to adequately sanitize file path parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate these values to traverse directory structures and include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

The vulnerability requires network access but involves high attack complexity, indicating that successful exploitation may require specific conditions or multiple steps. However, no privileges or user interaction are required, making it exploitable by unauthenticated attackers under the right circumstances. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the theme's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization for file path parameters. When user-controlled input is passed directly to PHP's include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions without adequate filtering, attackers can inject path traversal sequences (such as ../) or manipulate the expected file paths to include unintended files.

The lack of allowlist-based validation or proper canonicalization of file paths before processing allows malicious actors to escape the intended directory context and access sensitive system files.

Attack Vector

The attack is conducted remotely over the network. An attacker crafts malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences targeting the vulnerable parameter in the Coworking theme. By manipulating the filename parameter, the attacker can traverse directories and include sensitive files such as /etc/passwd, WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php), or other application files containing credentials and sensitive data.

In advanced exploitation scenarios, attackers may combine this LFI vulnerability with log poisoning techniques. By first injecting PHP code into server logs (such as Apache access logs or error logs), attackers can subsequently include these poisoned log files to achieve remote code execution on the server.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22367

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP request logs containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or ..%5c targeting theme-related endpoints
• Unusual access patterns to the Coworking theme's PHP files with manipulated parameters
• Attempts to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or log files through theme parameters
• Web application firewall (WAF) alerts for LFI attack patterns

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall rules to detect and block path traversal sequences in request parameters
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing directory traversal patterns targeting WordPress theme files
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on sensitive configuration files to detect unauthorized access attempts
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on LFI attack signatures and unusual file access patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the WordPress application and web server to capture detailed request information
• Implement real-time log analysis to identify LFI attack patterns and path traversal attempts
• Monitor for unusual file system access patterns, particularly reads of sensitive system or configuration files
• Establish baseline access patterns for the Coworking theme and alert on deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22367

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the AncoraThemes Coworking theme to the latest patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or removing the vulnerable theme
• Implement web application firewall rules to block path traversal attack patterns
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential LFI exploitation
• Review server configurations to disable unnecessary PHP functions that could be leveraged in chained attacks

Patch Information

Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Theme Advisory for the latest patch information and remediation guidance. Contact AncoraThemes directly for updated theme versions that address this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with rules configured to block LFI and path traversal attacks
• Implement PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Disable the affected theme and switch to an alternative until a patch is available
• Apply the principle of least privilege to web server user accounts to minimize impact of successful exploitation
• Consider using security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for vulnerable WordPress components