CVE-2026-22385: Wolmart Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22385 Overview

CVE-2026-22385 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Wolmart WordPress theme developed by don-themes. 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 weakness is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program).

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes pose significant risks as they can potentially be leveraged to read sensitive configuration files, access credentials, or in some cases, escalate to remote code execution through log poisoning or other techniques.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to include arbitrary local files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, credentials, or achieving code execution through advanced exploitation techniques.

Affected Products

• Wolmart WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.9.6
• WordPress installations using vulnerable Wolmart theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-05 - CVE-2026-22385 published to NVD
• 2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22385

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists in the Wolmart WordPress theme's handling of user-controlled input within PHP include or require statements. When a web application dynamically constructs file paths for inclusion based on user input without proper sanitization, attackers can manipulate these parameters to include unintended files from the local file system.

In the context of WordPress themes, this type of vulnerability commonly affects template loading mechanisms, AJAX handlers, or feature modules that dynamically include PHP files based on request parameters. The improper validation allows path traversal sequences (such as ../) or direct file path specification to access files outside the intended directory scope.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. The Wolmart theme lacks adequate input filtering, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that the PHP interpreter will then attempt to include and execute or display.

Common vulnerable patterns include:

• Using $_GET or $_POST parameters directly in include() or require() functions
• Insufficient path traversal filtering
• Missing whitelist validation for allowed file inclusions
• Relying solely on file extension checks without proper path canonicalization

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HTTP requests that manipulate the vulnerable parameter to include sensitive local files. The exploitation typically involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable endpoint within the Wolmart theme
2. Crafting requests with path traversal sequences to navigate the file system
3. Targeting sensitive files such as /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or log files
4. Potentially escalating to remote code execution through log poisoning or including files with controlled content

The vulnerability requires network access to the WordPress installation but may not require authentication, depending on the specific vulnerable endpoint within the theme. For additional technical details, see the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22385

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) in GET or POST parameters
• Web server access logs showing attempts to access sensitive system files through WordPress theme endpoints
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts from unexpected directories
• Unexpected file access patterns in PHP error logs referencing the Wolmart theme directory

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in requests
• Monitor WordPress access logs for requests to theme files with suspicious parameter values
• Deploy intrusion detection rules targeting LFI exploitation patterns in HTTP traffic
• Use file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for PHP file access operations on WordPress installations
• Configure alerts for access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php from web requests
• Monitor for unusual process spawning or file read operations following web requests
• Review web server logs regularly for patterns consistent with LFI exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22385

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Wolmart WordPress theme to a version newer than 1.9.6 when a patch becomes available
• Temporarily disable or remove the Wolmart theme if updates are not available
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the WordPress installation
• Review server logs for any evidence of prior exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Users should monitor the Wolmart theme developer (don-themes) for security updates addressing this vulnerability. Check the Patchstack vulnerability database for the latest patch status and remediation guidance. Until an official patch is released, implement the workarounds below to reduce exposure.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block LFI and path traversal attempts
• Restrict file system permissions to limit what files the web server user can read
• Consider using a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to add additional protection layers
• If the vulnerable functionality is identified, consider creating a child theme that overrides and sanitizes the vulnerable code

# Configuration example - Apache mod_security rule to block LFI attempts
# Add to your .htaccess or Apache configuration
SecRule ARGS "@contains ../" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt'"
SecRule ARGS "@contains /etc/" "id:1002,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'LFI Attempt - System Files'"
SecRule ARGS "@contains wp-config" "id:1003,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'LFI Attempt - WP Config'"