CVE-2026-22413: Malgré Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22413 Overview

CVE-2026-22413 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Malgré WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in PHP include/require statements, classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program).

This vulnerability allows attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, or in some cases, remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques such as log poisoning.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to read sensitive server files, access WordPress configuration credentials, or potentially achieve code execution through advanced LFI exploitation techniques.

Affected Products

• Malgré WordPress Theme version 1.0.3 and earlier
• Malgré WordPress Theme from n/a through <= 1.0.3

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-05 - CVE CVE-2026-22413 published to NVD
• 2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22413

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of user-controlled input that is passed to PHP's include() or require() functions within the Malgré WordPress theme. When file paths are constructed using unsanitized user input, attackers can manipulate the path to include arbitrary files from the local file system.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes typically occur when template files, AJAX handlers, or other PHP components dynamically include files based on user-supplied parameters without proper validation or sanitization. The Malgré theme fails to adequately restrict which files can be included, allowing path traversal sequences to escape the intended directory context.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include or require statements. The theme does not properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations, allowing attackers to traverse directories using sequences like ../ to access files outside the intended scope. This represents a failure to implement proper input validation and allowlist-based file inclusion controls.

Attack Vector

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to include sensitive local files. Common targets include:

• /etc/passwd - to enumerate system users
• wp-config.php - to extract database credentials and authentication keys
• Log files - which can be poisoned with PHP code for remote code execution
• Other configuration files containing sensitive information

The attack typically requires network access to the WordPress installation and may be exploitable without authentication, depending on how the vulnerable functionality is exposed.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22413

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual web requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme-related endpoints
• Access logs showing requests to the Malgré theme directory with suspicious parameters
• Attempts to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php through theme parameters
• Log entries indicating PHP include errors or warnings related to the Malgré theme

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in requests targeting WordPress themes
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing directory traversal sequences
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on the WordPress installation to detect unauthorized file access or modifications
• Use security plugins that scan for LFI vulnerability patterns in incoming requests

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed PHP error logging and monitor for include/require-related errors from the Malgré theme
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on LFI attack signatures
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect repeated attempts to access sensitive system files
• Monitor for unusual file access patterns on the web server

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22413

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Malgré theme to a patched version if available from Mikado-Themes
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Malgré theme and switching to an alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the theme
• Restrict file permissions on sensitive files to limit the impact of potential exploitation
• Review server logs for evidence of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Users should monitor the Patchstack vulnerability database for updates regarding patches from Mikado-Themes. Contact the theme vendor directly for information on security updates addressing this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules specifically blocking path traversal sequences in requests to the theme
• Implement PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit which directories PHP can access
• Use WordPress security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities
• Disable the affected theme functionality if it is not critical to site operations

# Example Apache mod_rewrite rule to block path traversal
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\.%2f) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (%2e%2e/) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]