CVE-2026-57794: Golo Framework File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2026-57794 Overview

CVE-2026-57794 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the uxper Golo Framework WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include/require statements, categorized as [CWE-98]. Attackers with low-privilege authenticated access can manipulate file path parameters to force the application to include arbitrary local files. Successful exploitation exposes sensitive files, executes attacker-controlled PHP content, and can compromise the underlying WordPress instance. The vulnerability affects Golo Framework versions up to and including 1.7.3.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers can trigger local file inclusion to disclose sensitive configuration files, execute arbitrary PHP code, and pivot toward full site compromise.

Affected Products

• uxper Golo Framework (WordPress plugin) versions from n/a through 1.7.3
• WordPress installations bundling the Golo Framework component
• Themes and sites dependent on the Golo Framework plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-57794 published to NVD
• 2026-07-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-57794

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in code paths that pass user-controllable input directly into PHP include or require statements without adequate validation or sanitization. When a plugin endpoint accepts a filename, template name, or module identifier from a request parameter, an authenticated attacker can substitute a crafted path that resolves to files outside the intended directory. PHP then loads and executes the referenced file within the current request context.

Because the attack vector is Network and requires only low privileges, any authenticated user role with access to the vulnerable endpoint can attempt exploitation. The scope remains unchanged, but confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all impacted because PHP file inclusion allows both information disclosure and code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper control of the filename argument passed into an include/require construct, tracked as [CWE-98]. The Golo Framework code fails to enforce an allowlist of permitted templates, does not canonicalize the requested path, and does not restrict inclusion to a specific directory. Path traversal sequences and absolute paths therefore reach the PHP interpreter unmodified.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker issues an HTTP request to a vulnerable Golo Framework endpoint and supplies a manipulated parameter containing a file path such as a traversal sequence targeting wp-config.php, log files, or session data. PHP includes and executes the target file. If the attacker can plant PHP content in a writable location, for example an uploaded file or a log entry, the LFI becomes a route to remote code execution.

No verified public proof-of-concept exploit code is available at this time. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for advisory details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57794

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to Golo Framework endpoints containing traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or absolute paths in query or POST parameters
• Access log entries referencing sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files sourced through plugin endpoints
• Unexpected PHP errors or warnings referencing include() or require() with attacker-controlled paths in web server logs

Detection Strategies

• Inspect web server and WordPress logs for parameter values containing directory traversal sequences or references to files outside the plugin directory
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) rule that flags requests to Golo Framework routes where a filename parameter contains .., null bytes, or protocol wrappers such as php://
• Correlate authenticated session activity from low-privilege accounts with anomalous file access patterns on the WordPress host

Monitoring Recommendations

• Continuously monitor file integrity on wp-config.php, plugin directories, and upload folders for unauthorized reads or modifications
• Alert on PHP process activity that spawns shell commands or network connections following requests to Golo Framework endpoints
• Track authentication events for the WordPress site and correlate low-privileged logins with subsequent requests to plugin URLs

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57794

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all WordPress instances running the Golo Framework plugin at version 1.7.3 or earlier and inventory affected hosts
• Restrict access to the WordPress admin and authenticated endpoints to trusted networks until a patched release is applied
• Rotate WordPress secrets, database credentials, and API keys stored in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected

Patch Information

A fixed release beyond version 1.7.3 should be applied once the vendor publishes an update. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest remediation status and version guidance from uxper.

Workarounds

• Disable or remove the Golo Framework plugin until a patched version is installed
• Deploy WAF rules that block requests to plugin endpoints containing path traversal characters or PHP stream wrappers
• Harden PHP configuration by setting open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress root and disabling allow_url_include

# Example php.ini hardening to limit LFI impact
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"