CVE-2026-57795: Kitchor Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2026-57795 Overview

CVE-2026-57795 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Kitchor WordPress theme by themelexus. The flaw stems from improper control of the filename used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Authenticated attackers can leverage the issue to include arbitrary local files on the server, leading to source code disclosure, sensitive configuration exposure, or execution of attacker-controlled PHP content. The vulnerability affects all Kitchor theme versions up to and including 1.4.3. The issue was published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) on 2026-07-13.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to read arbitrary files or execute PHP code from included paths, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress site.

Affected Products

themelexus Kitchor WordPress theme versions up to and including 1.4.3
WordPress installations using the vulnerable Kitchor theme
Web servers hosting sites with the affected theme active

Discovery Timeline

2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-57795 published to NVD
2026-07-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-57795

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-57795 is a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability categorized under [CWE-98], Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The Kitchor theme accepts user-controllable input and passes it into a PHP include or require statement without adequate sanitization or whitelisting. This design allows an attacker to influence which file the PHP interpreter loads at runtime.

The vulnerability requires network access and low-level authenticated privileges. Successful exploitation impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target host. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) currently estimates a 0.496% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Because the theme executes any included PHP content, an attacker who can plant a payload elsewhere on the server, such as through log poisoning, session file manipulation, or media uploads, can escalate the LFI into remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is the direct use of an unsanitized parameter as a file path argument to a PHP inclusion function. The theme lacks path normalization, allowlist validation, and extension enforcement. Without these controls, path traversal sequences and absolute paths reach the underlying inclusion call.

Attack Vector

An authenticated attacker sends a crafted HTTP request that supplies a manipulated file path parameter to a vulnerable Kitchor endpoint. The theme resolves the parameter and includes the referenced file. Attackers can target sensitive files such as wp-config.php, system configuration files, or previously planted payloads. See the Patchstack Kitchor Theme Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57795

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Kitchor theme endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or absolute paths in query parameters
Access log entries showing successful inclusion of files outside the theme directory, including references to wp-config.php or /etc/passwd
Unexpected PHP error messages referencing include() or require() failures with attacker-controlled paths
New or modified PHP files inside wp-content/uploads/ that correlate with subsequent theme requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect web server access logs for parameter values containing directory traversal patterns targeting theme files under /wp-content/themes/kitchor/
Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that identify LFI payloads and block requests containing filesystem path characters in unexpected parameters
Correlate authenticated WordPress user sessions with anomalous parameter values passed to theme scripts

Monitoring Recommendations

Monitor file integrity across the WordPress installation, especially wp-config.php, theme files, and the uploads directory
Alert on PHP include or require warnings emitted by the Kitchor theme in error logs
Track outbound network connections initiated by the PHP worker process, since LFI-to-RCE chains often trigger reverse shells or data exfiltration

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57795

Immediate Actions Required

Deactivate the Kitchor theme until a patched version is confirmed and installed
Restrict authenticated access to WordPress by rotating credentials and enforcing multi-factor authentication for all users with login capability
Apply WAF virtual patching rules that block LFI payloads targeting Kitchor theme endpoints
Audit wp-content/uploads/ and other writable directories for unauthorized PHP files

Patch Information

At publication, the vulnerability affects Kitchor versions through 1.4.3. Review the Patchstack advisory for the most current patch status and upgrade to a fixed release from themelexus once available.

Workarounds

Disable the Kitchor theme and switch to an unaffected theme until an updated version is released
Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to specific directories, limiting the impact of LFI attempts
Set allow_url_include to Off and confirm allow_url_fopen is disabled to prevent inclusion of remote content
Enforce least-privilege file permissions on WordPress directories to reduce the surface for payload staging

bash

# Configuration example: harden php.ini against LFI escalation
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"