CVE-2026-28025: ThemeREX Stargaze LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2026-28025 Overview

CVE-2026-28025 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the ThemeREX Stargaze WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements (CWE-98), allowing attackers to include local files from the server filesystem. 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 vulnerability to read sensitive server files, access WordPress configuration data including database credentials, and potentially achieve code execution through log file poisoning or other LFI-to-RCE techniques.

Affected Products

• ThemeREX Stargaze WordPress Theme versions through 1.5

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-05 - CVE-2026-28025 published to NVD
• 2026-03-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-28025

Vulnerability Analysis

This Local File Inclusion vulnerability exists in the Stargaze WordPress theme developed by ThemeREX. The vulnerability occurs due to improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that is subsequently used in PHP include() or require() statements. When an attacker can control all or part of the filename passed to these PHP functions, they can manipulate the path to include arbitrary local files from the server.

The classification as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement) indicates that the theme fails to properly restrict which files can be included through its template loading or component inclusion mechanisms. While the CVE description mentions "Remote File Inclusion" in the classification, the actual impact is confirmed as Local File Inclusion, meaning attackers can traverse directories to access files on the local server rather than including remote files.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation on user-controllable parameters that influence PHP include/require paths. The Stargaze theme likely accepts template names, component identifiers, or file paths from user input (such as GET/POST parameters or AJAX requests) without adequately restricting the values to safe, whitelisted options. This allows path traversal sequences and arbitrary filename specifications to reach the underlying PHP file inclusion functions.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests to the WordPress site running the vulnerable Stargaze theme. The attack typically involves manipulating parameters to include directory traversal sequences (such as ../) that navigate outside the intended directory structure to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or server log files.

The vulnerability can be exploited through standard HTTP requests to the affected WordPress installation. In PHP Local File Inclusion scenarios, attackers commonly target:

• WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php) containing database credentials
• System files (/etc/passwd) for user enumeration
• Log files for potential log poisoning attacks leading to code execution
• PHP session files for session hijacking

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-28025

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting theme-related endpoints
• Web server access logs showing attempts to access system files through WordPress theme parameters
• Error logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts or path resolution errors
• Requests with encoded traversal patterns targeting the Stargaze theme directory

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in request parameters
• Monitor WordPress theme directories for unexpected file access patterns using file integrity monitoring
• Implement logging and alerting for requests containing LFI attack signatures targeting /wp-content/themes/stargaze/
• Review web server logs for anomalous requests to theme assets with unusual query parameters

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed access logging for WordPress installations and regularly review for exploitation attempts
• Configure real-time alerting for requests containing known LFI attack patterns
• Monitor for unauthorized access to sensitive files such as wp-config.php and system configuration files
• Implement endpoint detection to identify post-exploitation activities following successful LFI attacks

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-28025

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the ThemeREX Stargaze theme to the latest patched version if available from the vendor
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Stargaze theme with an alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attempts targeting WordPress theme endpoints
• Review server logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts
• Restrict file permissions on sensitive configuration files to minimize impact of potential disclosure

Patch Information

Organizations should check the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for the latest patch status and remediation guidance from ThemeREX. Until an official patch is released, apply the workarounds described below to reduce exposure.

Workarounds

• Implement input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar WAF with LFI protection rules
• Use PHP configuration to restrict file inclusion paths via open_basedir directive
• Disable any unused theme features or AJAX handlers that may expose the vulnerable functionality
• Consider implementing a virtual patching solution through security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri

# Apache ModSecurity rule to block common LFI patterns
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|ARGS_NAMES "@rx \.\.[\\/]" \
    "id:1001,\
    phase:2,\
    deny,\
    status:403,\
    msg:'Potential Local File Inclusion Attack Detected',\
    logdata:'%{MATCHED_VAR}',\
    severity:'CRITICAL'"