CVE-2026-22512: Roisin Theme Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-22512 Overview

CVE-2026-22512 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Elated-Themes Roisin WordPress theme through version 1.2.1. The flaw stems from improper control of filename arguments passed to PHP include or require statements, classified under [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local PHP files, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution if attacker-controlled content reaches the server. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can include local PHP files on the WordPress host, exposing configuration data and enabling potential code execution under the web server context.

Affected Products

Elated-Themes Roisin WordPress theme versions up to and including 1.2.1
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Roisin theme
All sites where the theme is active and reachable over HTTP/HTTPS

Discovery Timeline

2026-03-25 - CVE-2026-22512 published to NVD
2026-04-24 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-22512

Vulnerability Analysis

The Roisin theme contains a PHP file inclusion sink where user-controlled input flows into an include or require statement without adequate sanitization or allow-list validation. This pattern, tracked as [CWE-98], allows attackers to traverse the filesystem and load arbitrary PHP source files accessible to the web server process. While the advisory classifies the issue as Local File Inclusion, the underlying weakness category also covers Remote File Inclusion scenarios when PHP configuration permits remote URL wrappers.

Attack complexity is elevated because successful exploitation typically requires knowledge of valid file paths or specific request shaping. Once a valid path is determined, the attacker gains broad read access to PHP files on disk, including wp-config.php and other secrets. If log files, uploaded media, or session files can be poisoned with PHP payloads, the LFI can be chained into remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of a filename or path parameter that is concatenated into an include, include_once, require, or require_once call. The theme does not validate the resolved path against an allow-list of expected templates, nor does it strip directory traversal sequences such as ../ before invoking the include.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based. An unauthenticated remote attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a theme endpoint, supplying a manipulated filename parameter. PHP resolves the path and executes the included file in the context of the WordPress application. Because no privileges or user interaction are required, the vulnerability is reachable from the public internet on any site running the vulnerable theme. See the Patchstack Roisin Theme Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22512

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Roisin theme PHP files containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or URL-encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
Access log entries showing query parameters referencing sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP wrappers such as php://filter
Unexpected PHP errors in web server logs referencing failed include or require operations from theme directories

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress access logs for requests targeting wp-content/themes/roisin/ paths with suspicious query parameters
Deploy web application firewall rules that flag path traversal patterns and PHP wrapper schemes in HTTP request parameters
Correlate file read events on wp-config.php and other sensitive files with originating web requests using endpoint telemetry

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable PHP error logging and alert on repeated failed to open stream warnings tied to include statements
Monitor outbound network connections from the web server process for unexpected destinations that may indicate post-exploitation activity
Track file integrity on theme directories and WordPress core files to detect webshell deployment following LFI exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22512

Immediate Actions Required

Deactivate the Roisin theme until a patched version is verified and installed
Audit web server and WordPress access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts predating mitigation
Rotate WordPress secrets, database credentials, and API keys stored in wp-config.php if exploitation cannot be ruled out

Patch Information

At the time of publication, the advisory indicates the vulnerability affects Roisin versions up to and including 1.2.1. Review the Patchstack advisory for the latest patched release information and apply the vendor-supplied update once available.

Workarounds

Restrict access to the Roisin theme directory using web server rules or a WAF until a patch is applied
Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to reduce the risk of remote file inclusion chaining
Apply the principle of least privilege to the web server user so included files cannot read sensitive system paths

bash

# Configuration example: harden PHP against file inclusion abuse
# /etc/php/php.ini
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"

# Apache: block direct access to theme PHP files from untrusted sources
<Directory "/var/www/html/wp-content/themes/roisin">
    <FilesMatch "\.php$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>