CVE-2026-22424: Shaha Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22424 Overview

CVE-2026-22424 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the AncoraThemes Shaha WordPress theme. 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 vulnerability affects all versions of the Shaha theme from initial release through version 1.1.2.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive server files, potentially exposing WordPress configuration details, database credentials, and other sensitive information stored on the web server.

Affected Products

• AncoraThemes Shaha WordPress Theme version 1.1.2 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the Shaha theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-05 - CVE-2026-22424 published to NVD
• 2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22424

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Shaha WordPress 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 path parameters to include arbitrary files from the local filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged to read sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. In some scenarios, LFI can be escalated to Remote Code Execution if the attacker can inject malicious content into log files or other writable locations that are subsequently included.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-22424 is insufficient input validation in the Shaha theme's PHP code. The theme accepts user-controllable input (likely through theme customization options, AJAX handlers, or template parameters) and passes this input directly to PHP's include(), include_once(), require(), or require_once() functions without proper sanitization or path restriction enforcement.

Secure implementations should validate that requested files exist within an expected directory and match an allowlist of permitted filenames. The vulnerable code lacks these protective measures, allowing directory traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory context.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that manipulate the file path parameter to traverse directories and include sensitive files. The attack typically involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable parameter that accepts file path input
2. Using directory traversal sequences (../) to navigate to target files
3. Including sensitive files such as /etc/passwd or WordPress configuration files
4. Extracting sensitive data from the included file output

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users with access to theme functionality, or potentially by unauthenticated users if the vulnerable endpoint is publicly accessible. For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22424

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ....//) in theme-related parameters
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files through theme endpoints
• Requests targeting common sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or .htaccess via theme parameters
• Abnormal file read operations in PHP error logs related to the Shaha theme

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server access logs for suspicious path manipulation attempts targeting WordPress theme directories
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Configure PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit file access scope

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for WordPress theme activity and PHP file operations
• Set up alerts for requests containing path traversal sequences targeting the /wp-content/themes/shaha/ directory
• Monitor for unexpected file read operations from the web server process
• Review PHP error logs regularly for failed include/require attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22424

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress installations using the AncoraThemes Shaha theme version 1.1.2 or earlier
• Check the theme vendor for security updates and apply any available patches immediately
• Consider temporarily switching to a different theme if no patch is available
• Implement Web Application Firewall rules to block path traversal attempts
• Restrict PHP's open_basedir directive to limit file system access

Patch Information

Check the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the latest patch information from AncoraThemes. Users should update to a patched version of the Shaha theme as soon as one becomes available.

Workarounds

• Configure PHP's open_basedir to restrict file system access to the WordPress installation directory
• Implement .htaccess rules to block requests containing directory traversal patterns
• Use a security plugin that provides virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities
• Disable or remove the Shaha theme until a patched version is released

# Configuration example - Add to .htaccess to block common LFI attempts
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\.\\|\.\.%5c) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]

# PHP configuration - Add to php.ini or .user.ini
# Restrict PHP file access to WordPress directory
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress/