CVE-2026-57788: Aalto Theme PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-57788 Overview

CVE-2026-57788 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Edge-Themes Aalto WordPress theme. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, classified under [CWE-98]. Attackers with low-privilege access can manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files during PHP execution. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure, source code exposure, and in some environments, remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives. The vulnerability affects all Aalto theme versions up to and including 1.8.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can include arbitrary PHP files on the server, resulting in disclosure of sensitive configuration data and potential code execution on WordPress sites running the Aalto theme.

Affected Products

Edge-Themes Aalto WordPress Theme versions up to and including 1.8
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Aalto theme
PHP applications loading user-controlled paths through the affected theme

Discovery Timeline

2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-57788 published to NVD
2026-07-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-57788

Vulnerability Analysis

The Aalto theme accepts user-supplied input that is passed to a PHP include or require statement without sufficient sanitization or allowlist enforcement. When PHP evaluates the include directive, it resolves the attacker-controlled path against the local filesystem. This allows loading of files outside the intended theme directory, such as wp-config.php, log files, or session data. Because the inclusion occurs within the WordPress runtime, any PHP code inside the included file executes with the privileges of the web server process.

Exploitation requires low-level authenticated access, and the network-based attack vector allows delivery through crafted HTTP requests. The EPSS score of 0.496% reflects current exploitation likelihood based on public telemetry.

Root Cause

The root cause is a failure to validate or normalize file path input before it reaches a PHP inclusion function. The theme lacks an allowlist of permitted templates and does not strip path traversal sequences such as ../. This category of flaw is documented as [CWE-98] Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker submits an HTTP request containing a manipulated parameter that references a target file path. The theme passes the value directly to an inclusion statement, causing PHP to load and execute the referenced file. Attackers can chain the flaw with log poisoning, session file manipulation, or uploaded media containing PHP payloads to achieve arbitrary code execution.

The vulnerability manifests when the theme processes template-loading parameters without validation. Refer to the Patchstack Aalto Theme Vulnerability advisory for technical specifics.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57788

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to WordPress endpoints containing path traversal patterns such as ../ or encoded variants (%2e%2e%2f) in theme parameters.
Access log entries referencing sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files through Aalto theme URLs.
Unexpected PHP errors in web server logs referencing missing files under theme-controlled include paths.

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress access logs for requests targeting Aalto theme files with suspicious query string parameters containing file paths.
Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag path traversal sequences and absolute path references in HTTP parameters.
Monitor PHP include/require warnings that reference files outside expected theme directories.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable verbose PHP error logging and alert on inclusion failures involving non-theme paths.
Baseline normal Aalto theme request patterns and alert on deviations, particularly parameters carrying filesystem-like values.
Correlate authentication events with subsequent theme requests to identify compromised low-privilege accounts abusing the flaw.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57788

Immediate Actions Required

Identify all WordPress sites using the Edge-Themes Aalto theme and confirm the installed version.
Restrict access to WordPress administrative and authenticated user areas to trusted sources until a patched version is deployed.
Review web server and PHP logs for prior exploitation attempts referencing sensitive local files.

Patch Information

No fixed version is currently listed in the enriched CVE data. Aalto releases up to and including 1.8 are vulnerable. Consult the Patchstack Aalto Theme Vulnerability advisory for vendor updates and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

Disable the Aalto theme and switch to a supported theme until a patch is available.
Deploy WAF rules that block path traversal characters and absolute filesystem paths in HTTP request parameters targeting theme endpoints.
Enforce the PHP open_basedir restriction to limit which directories PHP scripts can read, reducing the impact of successful inclusion.
Revoke or reduce privileges of low-trust WordPress accounts that are not strictly required.

bash

# Example PHP hardening in php.ini to limit file inclusion scope
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off