CVE-2026-22493 Overview
CVE-2026-22493 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Gaspard WordPress theme developed by Elated-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's filesystem.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive files, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, and source code, which could lead to complete site compromise.
Affected Products
- Elated-Themes Gaspard WordPress Theme version 1.3 and earlier
- All WordPress installations using the vulnerable Gaspard theme versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-25 - CVE-2026-22493 published to NVD
- 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-22493
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Gaspard WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP file inclusion operations. This allows an attacker to manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files from the web server.
Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress themes are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged to read sensitive WordPress configuration files like wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, attackers may be able to chain this vulnerability with other weaknesses to achieve remote code execution by including files containing attacker-controlled content, such as log files or uploaded images with embedded PHP code.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-controllable parameters that are subsequently passed to PHP's include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions. The theme fails to implement proper allowlisting of permitted files or adequate path traversal prevention measures, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary file paths.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../) to navigate the server's directory structure and include sensitive files. The attack complexity is considered high as specific conditions may need to be met for successful exploitation.
A typical attack scenario involves:
- Identifying the vulnerable parameter in the Gaspard theme
- Crafting a request with directory traversal sequences to target sensitive files
- Extracting configuration data, credentials, or source code from included files
- Potentially escalating to remote code execution through log poisoning or other file inclusion techniques
For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22493
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ..%252f) targeting theme files
- Web server access logs showing attempts to access /wp-content/themes/gaspard/ with suspicious parameters
- Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts or directory traversal attempts
- Unexpected file access patterns in server logs, particularly targeting configuration files
Detection Strategies
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in requests to WordPress theme directories
- Monitor web server logs for requests containing encoded or unencoded directory traversal sequences
- Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
- Use intrusion detection systems with signatures for PHP Local File Inclusion attack patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed access logging for the WordPress installation and review logs for anomalous patterns
- Configure alerts for requests containing common LFI patterns targeting the Gaspard theme directory
- Monitor for unusual PHP error messages that may indicate exploitation attempts
- Implement real-time log analysis to detect reconnaissance and exploitation activities
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22493
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Gaspard theme to a patched version if one is available from Elated-Themes
- If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Gaspard theme and switching to a secure alternative
- Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting the vulnerable theme
- Review server logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts
- Rotate WordPress database credentials and authentication keys if compromise is suspected
Patch Information
Check the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updated patch status and remediation guidance from the vendor. Contact Elated-Themes directly for information on patched theme versions.
Workarounds
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall with rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences
- Implement server-side open_basedir restrictions in PHP configuration to limit file access
- Use ModSecurity or similar WAF with the OWASP Core Rule Set to detect and block LFI attempts
- Consider removing or replacing the vulnerable theme if no patch is available
# Apache .htaccess rule to block path traversal attempts to the theme directory
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%252f) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|\.\.%252f) [NC]
RewriteRule ^wp-content/themes/gaspard/.* - [F,L]
</IfModule>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
