CVE-2026-57798 Overview
CVE-2026-57798 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the SaurabhSharma NewsPlus Shortcodes plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames passed to PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. All plugin versions up to and including 4.2.0 are affected. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can force the application to include arbitrary local files, leading to information disclosure, code execution through log poisoning, or session hijacking.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to read sensitive files such as wp-config.php and potentially execute PHP code by including attacker-controlled files already present on the server.
Affected Products
- SaurabhSharma NewsPlus Shortcodes plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 4.2.0
- WordPress sites running the newsplus-shortcodes plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-57798 published to NVD
- 2026-07-13 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-57798
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the NewsPlus Shortcodes plugin, which accepts user-supplied input and passes it to a PHP file inclusion function without sufficient validation. The plugin fails to enforce an allowlist of permitted files or sanitize path components. As a result, attackers can manipulate the parameter to reference files outside the intended directory.
The issue is classified under [CWE-98] - Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. While the CWE title references "PHP Remote File Inclusion," this specific issue is exploitable as Local File Inclusion. Attackers require authenticated access with low-level privileges to reach the vulnerable code path. The EPSS score for this CVE is 0.496%.
Root Cause
The root cause is the dynamic construction of file paths for PHP include or require calls using request-controlled data. The plugin does not restrict the resolved path to a safe base directory and does not filter traversal sequences such as ../. Any parameter reaching the inclusion function inherits full filesystem access under the PHP process user.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker submits a crafted request to a plugin endpoint that references a local file path. The plugin resolves the path and executes include against it, causing the PHP interpreter to parse and execute the referenced file. Attackers commonly abuse this to read wp-config.php, include uploaded media files containing PHP payloads, or perform log poisoning against /var/log/apache2/access.log and similar targets.
No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently listed. Technical details are documented in the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57798
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing path traversal sequences such as ../../ or encoded variants %2e%2e%2f targeting newsplus-shortcodes endpoints
- Requests referencing sensitive files including wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or php://filter wrappers
- Unexpected PHP execution originating from files inside the WordPress uploads directory
- Anomalous outbound connections from the web server following inclusion requests
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP request parameters passed to plugin shortcode handlers for path traversal patterns and PHP stream wrappers
- Alert on WordPress authenticated sessions issuing requests that reference filesystem paths outside the plugin directory
- Correlate access log entries containing newsplus-shortcodes with subsequent file reads of sensitive configuration files
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable PHP open_basedir logging and monitor for violation events tied to the WordPress site
- Deploy a web application firewall with rules covering LFI signatures and PHP wrapper abuse
- Forward WordPress and web server logs to a centralized analytics platform for retention and query
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57798
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate the NewsPlus Shortcodes plugin until a patched version is available or confirmed
- Audit WordPress user accounts and revoke unnecessary Contributor-level and higher privileges
- Review web server access logs for exploitation attempts referencing plugin endpoints
- Rotate WordPress secret keys and database credentials if wp-config.php disclosure is suspected
Patch Information
As of the last modified date 2026-07-13, no patched version beyond 4.2.0 is referenced in the advisory. Monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for update availability and apply fixes as soon as they are published.
Workarounds
- Restrict PHP file inclusion using open_basedir in php.ini to confine execution to the WordPress root
- Deploy WAF rules that block path traversal payloads and PHP stream wrappers targeting plugin routes
- Set filesystem permissions to prevent the web server user from reading sensitive files outside the web root
- Disable the plugin entirely if it is not required for site functionality
# Configuration example: restrict PHP file access via open_basedir
# Add to php.ini or the site's virtual host configuration
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
