CVE-2026-57804 Overview
CVE-2026-57804 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the CodexThemes TheGem Theme Elements for Elementor WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include/require statements, classified as [CWE-98]. It affects all versions of thegem-elements-elementor from initial release through 5.11.1. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can abuse the flaw over the network to include arbitrary local PHP files, potentially leading to code execution and full site compromise.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to include and execute local PHP files, exposing sensitive data and enabling arbitrary code execution within the WordPress environment.
Affected Products
- CodexThemes TheGem Theme Elements (for Elementor) plugin, versions up to and including 5.11.1
- WordPress sites running the thegem-elements-elementor plugin
- Any WordPress environment where TheGem Elementor integration is active
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-57804 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-07-13 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-57804
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a PHP Local File Inclusion issue in the thegem-elements-elementor plugin. It arises when user-controlled input reaches a PHP include or require statement without proper validation or sanitization. This falls under [CWE-98], Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The attack requires low-privilege authentication and no user interaction, but exploitation complexity is high, which slightly limits mass exploitation. An EPSS probability of 0.496% (39th percentile) suggests low current exploitation likelihood, though patched versions should still be applied without delay.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient filename validation before the plugin dynamically loads a PHP file via include/require. When attacker-supplied input flows into the file path parameter, the plugin resolves and executes any accessible local PHP file on the server. Whitelisting, canonicalization, and path constraints are absent or inadequate in vulnerable code paths.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker with contributor-level or similar low privileges sends a crafted request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint. The request manipulates a filename parameter that is passed to a PHP file inclusion function. The server then loads and executes the referenced local PHP file. Attackers can chain this with file upload or log poisoning techniques to escalate LFI into full remote code execution on the WordPress host.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Technical details are referenced in the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57804
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs showing requests to thegem-elements-elementor endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or absolute file paths.
- Unexpected PHP file inclusions referencing system files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or log files.
- Newly created PHP files in wp-content/uploads/ or theme directories following authenticated requests.
- Outbound connections or reverse shells initiated by the PHP-FPM or web server process after plugin activity.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for HTTP requests targeting TheGem Elementor plugin parameters containing suspicious filename values.
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to flag LFI patterns including directory traversal and null-byte injection attempts.
- Correlate authenticated low-privilege user activity with anomalous file access patterns on the web server.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor file integrity in the WordPress installation directory, particularly wp-content/plugins/thegem-elements-elementor/.
- Alert on PHP processes reading sensitive files outside expected plugin directories.
- Track creation of new administrator accounts or modifications to wp-config.php following suspicious plugin requests.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57804
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the TheGem Theme Elements for Elementor plugin to a version later than 5.11.1 as soon as a patched release is available.
- Audit WordPress user accounts and remove any low-privilege accounts that are not strictly required.
- Review web server and plugin logs for signs of exploitation dating back to plugin installation.
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects all versions through 5.11.1. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest fixed version and vendor guidance.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the thegem-elements-elementor plugin until a patched version is installed.
- Restrict PHP open_basedir and allow_url_include directives to limit file inclusion scope in php.ini.
- Deploy WAF virtual patching rules from providers such as Patchstack to block LFI payloads targeting the plugin.
- Enforce least-privilege for WordPress roles to reduce the pool of accounts that can trigger the vulnerable code path.
# Configuration example: harden PHP against LFI in php.ini
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
