CVE-2026-22368: Redy Theme PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22368 Overview

CVE-2026-22368 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Redy 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. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and potentially remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive files from WordPress installations running the affected Redy theme, potentially exposing database credentials, API keys, and other confidential configuration data.

Affected Products

axiomthemes Redy WordPress Theme versions through 1.0.2
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Redy theme
Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

2026-02-20 - CVE-2026-22368 published to NVD
2026-02-20 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22368

Vulnerability Analysis

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

The attack can be executed over the network without requiring authentication, though the attack complexity is considered high due to the specific conditions required for successful exploitation. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controlled parameters that are subsequently used in PHP include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() statements. The theme does not implement adequate path traversal protections or whitelist validation for included files, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended scope.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network (AV:N), making it accessible to remote attackers. The attack requires no authentication (PR:N) and no user interaction (UI:N), though the complexity is rated as high (AC:H) due to specific exploitation requirements.

An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../) combined with target file paths to read sensitive system files. Common targets include:

WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php) containing database credentials
Server configuration files (/etc/passwd, .htaccess)
PHP session files that may enable session hijacking
Log files that could contain sensitive information

When combined with file upload functionality or log poisoning techniques, this LFI vulnerability could potentially be escalated to achieve remote code execution.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22368

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme endpoints
Unusual access patterns to the Redy theme's PHP files with suspicious query parameters
Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like wp-config.php or /etc/passwd
Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts or PHP warnings about file access

Detection Strategies

Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
Monitor web server access logs for requests containing encoded or decoded directory traversal sequences
Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on LFI attack signatures targeting WordPress themes

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose logging for the WordPress installation and review logs regularly for suspicious activity
Implement real-time alerting for any access attempts to wp-config.php from web-facing endpoints
Monitor for unusual PHP error patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts
Track theme file access patterns and alert on anomalous behavior

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22368

Immediate Actions Required

Disable or remove the Redy theme from all WordPress installations until a patched version is available
Review web server logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
Implement WAF rules to block common LFI attack patterns targeting the affected theme
Audit WordPress installations for any unauthorized file access or data exfiltration

Patch Information

As of the last update, no official patch has been confirmed for versions through 1.0.2. Website administrators should monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database for updates on remediation options. Consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme that does not contain this vulnerability until a fix is released.

Workarounds

Implement server-side input validation to reject requests containing path traversal sequences
Use PHP's basename() function or similar sanitization on any user-supplied file paths before inclusion
Configure open_basedir PHP directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory
Apply the principle of least privilege to web server file permissions, ensuring sensitive files are not readable by the web server process

bash

# Configuration example - Apache mod_rewrite rules to block path traversal
# Add to .htaccess in WordPress root directory
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\.\\|\.\.%5c) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]

# PHP open_basedir configuration (add to php.ini or .user.ini)
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/