CVE-2026-22414: Marra Theme Local File Inclusion Flaw

CVE-2026-22414 Overview

CVE-2026-22414 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Marra WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes. This vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements (CWE-98). An attacker could exploit this flaw to include arbitrary local files from the server, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, or in some scenarios, remote code execution through log poisoning or other chained attack techniques.

Critical Impact

This Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Marra WordPress theme could allow attackers to read sensitive server files, access configuration data, or potentially achieve code execution through advanced exploitation techniques.

Affected Products

• Mikado-Themes Marra WordPress Theme version 1.2 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the Marra theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-05 - CVE-2026-22414 published to NVD
• 2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22414

Vulnerability Analysis

The Marra WordPress theme by Mikado-Themes contains a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability caused by improper validation and sanitization of user-controlled input that is subsequently used in PHP include() or require() statements. When a web application dynamically includes files based on user input without proper validation, attackers can manipulate the file path to include unintended files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in WordPress environments because they can expose sensitive files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, attackers may leverage this vulnerability to read system files like /etc/passwd on Linux servers, potentially gathering information useful for further attacks.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input validation within the Marra theme's PHP code. The theme fails to properly sanitize or validate filename parameters before passing them to PHP file inclusion functions. This allows directory traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute paths to be injected, enabling attackers to escape the intended directory context and access arbitrary files on the server.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2026-22414 involves manipulating HTTP request parameters that are processed by the vulnerable theme component. An attacker would craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to navigate the filesystem and include sensitive files. Common exploitation targets include:

• WordPress configuration files containing database credentials
• System files such as /etc/passwd for user enumeration
• Log files for potential log poisoning attacks leading to code execution
• Other plugin or theme files that may contain sensitive information

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can send requests to the affected WordPress installation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22414

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting WordPress theme endpoints
• Access logs showing repeated requests to Marra theme files with suspicious parameters
• Evidence of sensitive file access attempts in web server logs (requests containing /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, etc.)
• Anomalous file access patterns indicating directory traversal exploitation

Detection Strategies

• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) to detect and block path traversal patterns in request parameters
• Implement log monitoring to identify requests containing common LFI payloads targeting the Marra theme
• Deploy intrusion detection systems with rules for PHP file inclusion attack patterns
• Enable WordPress security plugins that monitor for suspicious file access attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Monitor web server access logs for requests to Marra theme endpoints with unusual parameters
• Set up alerts for repeated 200 status responses to requests containing traversal sequences
• Track file access attempts to sensitive system and WordPress configuration files
• Implement real-time monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns in HTTP requests

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22414

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Marra WordPress theme to a patched version when available from Mikado-Themes
• Temporarily disable or remove the Marra theme if no patch is available and the site is actively targeted
• Implement web application firewall rules to block path traversal patterns
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Consider restricting access to WordPress admin and theme files through server configuration

Patch Information

Consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database for the latest patch information and remediation guidance. Contact Mikado-Themes directly for updated theme versions that address this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block common LFI attack patterns including path traversal sequences
• Implement strict input validation at the server level using .htaccess or nginx configuration to block requests with suspicious parameters
• Switch to an alternative WordPress theme until a patched version of Marra is available
• Restrict PHP's open_basedir directive to limit file access to the WordPress directory structure
• Disable unused theme components that may be processing user-controlled file paths

# Example .htaccess rules to block common LFI patterns
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    # Block path traversal attempts
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (etc/passwd|wp-config\.php) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>