CVE-2026-27077: MultiOffice Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-27077 Overview

CVE-2026-27077 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the MultiOffice WordPress theme developed by Mikado-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 flaw is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program).

Critical Impact

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

Affected Products

• Mikado-Themes MultiOffice WordPress Theme version 1.2 and earlier
• WordPress installations using vulnerable MultiOffice theme versions
• Web servers hosting affected WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-25 - CVE-2026-27077 published to NVD
• 2026-03-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-27077

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation on user-supplied parameters that are subsequently used in PHP include() or require() statements within the MultiOffice WordPress theme. The theme fails to properly sanitize file path inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate the included file path through directory traversal sequences.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in PHP applications are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to read arbitrary files from the filesystem with the permissions of the web server process. This can expose sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and salts.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-27077 is the lack of proper input sanitization and validation for file path parameters passed to PHP include/require functions. The MultiOffice theme accepts user-controlled input that directly influences which files are included by the PHP interpreter without adequate filtering of path traversal sequences (such as ../) or validation against an allowlist of permitted files.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences in vulnerable parameters to include arbitrary local files. The attack complexity is considered high due to potential configuration-dependent factors, but no user interaction is required for exploitation.

Exploitation typically involves manipulating URL parameters or POST data to include paths like ../../../../etc/passwd or ../../../../wp-config.php, allowing the attacker to read sensitive system and application files. In scenarios where log files can be poisoned or file upload functionality exists, this LFI could potentially be chained to achieve remote code execution.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-27077

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, %2e%2e/) targeting theme endpoints
• Access log entries showing attempts to include sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or .htaccess
• Unusual file access patterns from the web server process to system configuration files
• Error logs indicating failed include/require operations with suspicious file paths

Detection Strategies

• Configure Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences
• Monitor web server access logs for requests with ../ patterns in query strings or POST parameters
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify anomalous file access by web server processes

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for the WordPress installation and review logs for suspicious activity
• Set up alerts for access attempts to sensitive files outside the web root
• Monitor for changes to critical WordPress files that could indicate successful exploitation
• Implement network-level monitoring to detect exfiltration of sensitive configuration data

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-27077

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the MultiOffice theme to the latest patched version immediately
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the MultiOffice theme
• Review web server access logs to identify any exploitation attempts
• Rotate all credentials stored in wp-config.php if compromise is suspected
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts as a temporary mitigation

Patch Information

Organizations should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the latest patch information and remediation guidance. Users should upgrade the MultiOffice theme beyond version 1.2 once a security update is made available by Mikado-Themes.

Workarounds

• Implement strict input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar WAF solutions
• Use PHP's open_basedir directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory
• Disable unnecessary theme features that may utilize file inclusion functionality
• Move sensitive configuration files outside the web root where possible
• Apply the principle of least privilege to web server file system permissions

# Apache ModSecurity rule to block path traversal attempts
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|ARGS_NAMES "@contains ../" \
    "id:1001,\
    phase:2,\
    deny,\
    status:403,\
    msg:'Path Traversal Attack Detected',\
    log,\
    severity:'CRITICAL'"