CVE-2026-22387: Aviana Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22387 Overview

CVE-2026-22387 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Aviana WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs (CWE-98), allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server.

This vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive files from the web server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, and other sensitive data. In certain scenarios, LFI vulnerabilities can be chained with other techniques to achieve remote code execution.

Critical Impact
Attackers can leverage this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive server files, potentially exposing database credentials, WordPress configuration details, and other confidential information that could lead to full site compromise.

Affected Products

Mikado-Themes Aviana WordPress Theme version 2.1 and earlier
WordPress installations using vulnerable Aviana theme versions
All sites running Aviana theme from n/a through version 2.1

Discovery Timeline

2026-03-05 - CVE CVE-2026-22387 published to NVD
2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22387

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The Aviana WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-controlled input before using it in PHP include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() statements.

When user-supplied input is directly or indirectly passed to file inclusion functions without adequate validation, an attacker can manipulate the file path to include arbitrary files from the local filesystem. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where configuration files like wp-config.php contain database credentials and authentication keys.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-22387 lies in insufficient input validation within the Aviana theme's PHP code. The theme accepts user-controlled parameters that influence file paths used in PHP include or require statements. Without proper sanitization, path traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute paths can be injected to reference files outside the intended directory structure.

Common patterns that lead to this vulnerability include:

Direct concatenation of user input with file paths
Insufficient filtering of path traversal characters
Missing allowlist validation for included files
Reliance on client-side validation only

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves submitting crafted HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences or specific file references. An attacker can manipulate theme parameters to include sensitive local files such as /etc/passwd, WordPress configuration files, or application log files.

The vulnerability may be exploited through GET or POST parameters, cookies, or other input vectors that the theme processes. Successful exploitation requires network access to the vulnerable WordPress installation but typically does not require authentication.

In more advanced scenarios, attackers may chain this LFI vulnerability with log poisoning or session file manipulation to achieve remote code execution. This involves first injecting PHP code into a log file or session, then using the LFI to include and execute that file.

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, see the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22387

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting Aviana theme files
Access logs showing repeated attempts to access sensitive system files through theme parameters
Unexpected file access patterns in web server logs referencing /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or other sensitive files
Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with non-standard paths

Detection Strategies

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

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable detailed PHP error logging and monitor for include/require failures with unusual file paths
Set up alerting for access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php through non-standard request patterns
Review WordPress access logs regularly for suspicious theme parameter values
Monitor for sudden increases in 404 or 500 errors related to file inclusion attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22387

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Aviana WordPress theme to the latest patched version immediately
Review server access logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
Audit WordPress installations for any unauthorized file access or modifications
Consider temporarily disabling the Aviana theme if no patch is available

Patch Information

Site administrators should check for updates to the Aviana theme through the WordPress admin dashboard or contact Mikado-Themes directly for the latest security patches. Additional details are available in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

After applying the patch, verify the theme version is updated and review any custom modifications that may have been made to theme files.

Workarounds

Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns (../, encoded variants, null bytes)
Use PHP open_basedir directive to restrict file system access to the WordPress installation directory
Disable allow_url_include in PHP configuration to prevent potential RFI escalation
Apply the principle of least privilege to web server file system permissions
Consider switching to an alternative WordPress theme until a security patch is confirmed

bash

# PHP configuration hardening example
# Add to php.ini or .htaccess

# Restrict PHP file access to WordPress directory
open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/

# Disable remote file inclusion
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off

# Enable error logging without displaying to users
display_errors = Off
log_errors = On
error_log = /var/log/php/error.log