CVE-2026-22375: Impacto Patronus LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22375 Overview

CVE-2026-22375 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Impacto Patronus WordPress theme developed by AncoraThemes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server. This flaw can potentially lead to sensitive information disclosure, remote code execution through log poisoning or other LFI-to-RCE techniques, and complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation.

Critical Impact
Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, access credentials, and potentially achieve remote code execution on vulnerable WordPress sites running Impacto Patronus theme version 1.2.3 or earlier.

Affected Products

AncoraThemes Impacto Patronus WordPress Theme version 1.2.3 and earlier
WordPress installations using the impacto-patronus theme
All web servers hosting affected Impacto Patronus theme installations

Discovery Timeline

2026-02-20 - CVE CVE-2026-22375 published to NVD
2026-02-24 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22375

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Impacto Patronus 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 file paths and include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network, though it requires precise conditions to be met for successful exploitation. An unauthenticated attacker can potentially leverage this vulnerability without any user interaction. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive files such as wp-config.php, exposure of database credentials, and in some scenarios, full remote code execution through techniques like log file poisoning or PHP session manipulation.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the Impacto Patronus theme's PHP code. The theme accepts user-controlled input that is subsequently used to construct file paths for PHP's include() or require() functions without adequate sanitization. This allows attackers to use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory and access files elsewhere on the filesystem.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable WordPress installation. An attacker can manipulate parameters that are used in file inclusion operations to traverse directories and include sensitive local files. Common attack patterns include:

The attacker identifies vulnerable parameters that accept file paths or template names. By injecting directory traversal sequences, they can navigate outside the intended directory structure. Files commonly targeted include WordPress configuration files containing database credentials, server configuration files like /etc/passwd, and PHP session files that could enable session hijacking or code execution.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22375

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns such as ../ or ..%2f in parameters targeting the Impacto Patronus theme
Web server access logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session directories
Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with path traversal characters
Unexpected file access patterns in application logs referencing theme template loading functions

Detection Strategies

Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting WordPress theme endpoints
Monitor web server logs for requests with encoded or plaintext directory traversal patterns (e.g., ../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/)
Deploy file integrity monitoring on sensitive WordPress files to detect unauthorized access or modifications
Use intrusion detection systems configured to alert on LFI attack patterns targeting PHP applications

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed logging for all HTTP requests to WordPress installations running the Impacto Patronus theme
Configure alerts for any access attempts to system files such as /etc/passwd or WordPress configuration files from web processes
Monitor for unusual PHP error messages that may indicate failed file inclusion attacks
Implement real-time log analysis to detect patterns consistent with automated LFI exploitation tools

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22375

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress installations running the Impacto Patronus theme and assess exposure
Temporarily disable or remove the Impacto Patronus theme if a patched version is not available
Implement Web Application Firewall rules to block path traversal attacks targeting the affected theme
Review web server and application logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
Consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme until a security patch is released

Patch Information

At the time of publication, users should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest information on available patches and updates from AncoraThemes. Organizations running affected versions should contact the theme vendor directly for remediation guidance and monitor for security updates.

Workarounds

Implement strict input validation using a Web Application Firewall to block requests containing path traversal sequences
Use PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file access to the WordPress directory structure
Disable directory traversal capabilities at the web server level where possible
Apply principle of least privilege to web server processes to limit file access permissions
Consider using virtual patching through security plugins like Wordfence or Patchstack until an official fix is available

bash

# Example Apache configuration to help mitigate directory traversal
# Add to .htaccess or Apache configuration
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    # Block requests containing path traversal patterns
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>