CVE-2026-27076: LuxeDrive Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-27076 Overview

CVE-2026-27076 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the LuxeDrive WordPress theme developed by Mikado-Themes. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files on the server. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, potential code execution if combined with other techniques, and complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files on the server, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, and other critical data. In certain configurations, this could escalate to remote code execution.

Affected Products

• LuxeDrive WordPress Theme version 1.0 and earlier
• Mikado-Themes LuxeDrive (all versions through 1.0)

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-25 - CVE CVE-2026-27076 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-27076

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The LuxeDrive WordPress theme fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP file inclusion functions such as include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once().

When a PHP application uses user-controlled input to construct file paths for inclusion without adequate validation, attackers can manipulate these parameters to include unintended files. While the CVE title references "Remote File Inclusion," the confirmed impact is Local File Inclusion, meaning attackers can traverse the file system to access files that reside on the same server.

The network-accessible attack vector with high complexity indicates that while the vulnerability can be exploited remotely, successful exploitation may require specific conditions or configuration states to be present.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization in the LuxeDrive theme's file inclusion logic. The theme accepts user input that directly or indirectly influences which files are included by PHP, without implementing proper security controls such as:

• Whitelisting allowed file paths
• Stripping directory traversal sequences (../)
• Validating that the requested file exists within an expected directory
• Using basename filtering to prevent path manipulation

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences or manipulated file parameters to force the WordPress installation to include arbitrary local files.

Typical exploitation scenarios include:

• Configuration File Disclosure: Attackers may read wp-config.php to obtain database credentials, authentication keys, and salts
• System File Access: On misconfigured systems, attackers could potentially read /etc/passwd or other system files
• Log File Poisoning: Combined with the ability to inject content into log files, this LFI could potentially escalate to code execution
• Source Code Disclosure: Reading PHP source files to identify additional vulnerabilities

For technical details and exploitation specifics, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-27076

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual requests to theme files containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
• Web server logs showing requests with file path parameters pointing to sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or log files
• HTTP requests containing null byte injection attempts (%00) to bypass extension filters
• Unexpected access patterns to the LuxeDrive theme directory with suspicious query parameters

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in request parameters
• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing .., %2e, or other encoded traversal sequences targeting theme files
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress files to detect unauthorized read access patterns
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on Local File Inclusion attack signatures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for the WordPress installation and regularly review logs for suspicious activity
• Set up real-time alerting for any access attempts to sensitive configuration files through web requests
• Monitor for unusual PHP error logs that may indicate failed inclusion attempts
• Implement anomaly detection for request patterns that deviate from normal theme file access

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-27076

Immediate Actions Required

• Remove or deactivate the LuxeDrive theme immediately if it is installed on any WordPress sites
• Audit WordPress installations for any signs of compromise, particularly checking for unauthorized access to wp-config.php
• Implement Web Application Firewall rules to block path traversal attempts as a compensating control
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

As of the last NVD update on 2026-03-26, no official patch has been confirmed for this vulnerability. Monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updates on remediation status. Contact Mikado-Themes directly for information on patched versions.

Workarounds

• Replace the LuxeDrive theme with an alternative secure WordPress theme until a patch is available
• Implement server-side input validation using .htaccess rules or web server configuration to block requests containing path traversal sequences
• Configure PHP open_basedir restriction to limit which directories PHP can access
• Enable PHP allow_url_include to Off in php.ini to prevent any potential remote inclusion escalation

# Example .htaccess rules to block path traversal attempts
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    # Block requests containing ..
    RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.) [NC,OR]
    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.) [NC]
    RewriteRule .* - [F,L]
</IfModule>

# PHP configuration hardening (php.ini)
# open_basedir = /var/www/html/
# allow_url_include = Off