CVE-2026-22512: Roisin Theme File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22512 Overview

CVE-2026-22512 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Roisin 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. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and potentially remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive server files including WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php), potentially exposing database credentials and authentication keys, or achieve code execution through log file poisoning techniques.

Affected Products

• Elated-Themes Roisin WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.2.1
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable Roisin theme
• All hosting environments running affected Roisin theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-25 - CVE-2026-22512 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22512

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Roisin WordPress theme fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to PHP's file inclusion functions (include, include_once, require, or require_once). This allows an attacker to manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files from the web server's filesystem.

The network-based attack vector requires no authentication or user interaction, though the attack complexity is considered high due to the specific conditions required for successful exploitation. A successful attack can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in insufficient input validation within the Roisin theme's PHP code. When the theme processes user-controllable input for dynamic file inclusion, it fails to implement proper path canonicalization, whitelist validation, or directory restriction. This allows attackers to use directory traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute paths to reference files outside the intended include directory.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted file path parameters. By manipulating these parameters with directory traversal sequences, the attacker can force the application to include sensitive local files such as:

• WordPress configuration files containing database credentials
• System files like /etc/passwd on Linux servers
• PHP session files that could enable session hijacking
• Log files for potential log poisoning attacks leading to code execution

The attack flow typically involves identifying the vulnerable parameter, crafting a path traversal payload, and requesting the malicious URL to retrieve the contents of targeted files.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22512

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) in theme-related parameters
• Web server access logs showing requests for sensitive file paths like /etc/passwd or wp-config.php through theme endpoints
• Unexpected file read operations originating from the Roisin theme's PHP files
• Evidence of log file poisoning attempts in combination with LFI payloads

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor web server logs for suspicious path traversal sequences targeting WordPress theme endpoints
• Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Use SentinelOne's behavioral analysis to identify anomalous file access patterns from web server processes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all WordPress theme-related HTTP requests
• Configure alerts for access attempts to sensitive system files from PHP processes
• Monitor for unusual outbound data transfers that may indicate successful data exfiltration
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect path traversal attack patterns

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22512

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress installations using the Roisin theme version 1.2.1 or earlier
• Consider temporarily deactivating the Roisin theme until a patched version is available
• Implement WAF rules to block directory traversal attempts targeting the theme
• Review web server logs for any historical exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Currently, the vulnerability affects Roisin theme versions through 1.2.1. Website administrators should monitor the Patchstack vulnerability report for updates on patch availability from Elated-Themes. Once a patched version is released, update the theme immediately through the WordPress admin dashboard or by manually replacing theme files.

Workarounds

• Implement strict WAF rules to filter path traversal sequences from all incoming requests to the WordPress installation
• Use PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory only
• Apply the principle of least privilege to web server file permissions, ensuring the PHP process cannot read sensitive system files
• Consider using a WordPress security plugin that provides virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities

# Configuration example - Add to php.ini or .htaccess to restrict file access
# PHP open_basedir restriction (add to php.ini)
open_basedir = /var/www/html/wordpress:/tmp

# Apache mod_rewrite rules to block directory traversal (add to .htaccess)
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.%2f|%2e%2e/) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]