CVE-2026-57805 Overview
CVE-2026-57805 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Select-Themes Tonda WordPress theme. The flaw affects all versions of Tonda up to and including 2.5. It stems from improper control of a filename used in a PHP include or require statement, tracked under [CWE-98]. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can supply a crafted filename parameter to force the theme to include arbitrary local PHP files. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive files, execution of PHP code already present on disk, and full compromise of the WordPress site.
Critical Impact
Attackers can read local files and execute attacker-controlled PHP code within the WordPress process, leading to site takeover.
Affected Products
- Select-Themes Tonda WordPress theme, all versions from n/a through 2.5
- WordPress installations running Tonda <= 2.5
- PHP environments where the theme processes untrusted user input in include paths
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-13 - CVE-2026-57805 published to NVD
- 2026-07-13 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-57805
Vulnerability Analysis
The Tonda theme passes attacker-influenced input into a PHP file inclusion statement without sufficient validation. PHP file inclusion functions such as include, include_once, require, and require_once interpret the supplied string as a filesystem path and execute the resolved file as PHP. When user input reaches such a function unchecked, an attacker can redirect the include target to any readable file on the server. The advisory published by Patchstack classifies the issue as Local File Inclusion. Exploitation requires authentication but does not require user interaction, and the impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress instance.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper sanitization of a filename parameter used to build the include path, matching [CWE-98] (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement). Traversal sequences such as ../ and null byte tricks are not filtered, and the input is not restricted to an allow-list of expected template files. As a result, the resolved path can escape the theme directory and reference arbitrary local files.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker sends an HTTP request to a vulnerable Tonda endpoint containing a manipulated filename parameter. The theme concatenates this input into a path used by a PHP inclusion function. The included file is parsed as PHP, so any file containing PHP tags is executed in the context of the web server. Attackers commonly chain LFI with log poisoning, session file poisoning, or previously uploaded media to achieve remote code execution. See the Patchstack advisory for further technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57805
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs showing requests to Tonda theme endpoints containing ../, encoded traversal sequences such as %2e%2e%2f, or absolute paths like /etc/passwd and wp-config.php.
- PHP error entries referencing include(), require(), or failed to open stream inside the wp-content/themes/tonda/ directory.
- Unexpected PHP files, web shells, or modified templates within the WordPress installation.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP query strings and POST bodies delivered to Tonda templates for path traversal patterns and references to sensitive files.
- Correlate authenticated WordPress sessions with anomalous requests targeting theme parameters that accept filenames.
- Compare theme files and uploaded media against a known-good baseline to identify tampering following suspicious requests.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress access and PHP error logging, and forward logs to a centralized platform for correlation and retention.
- Alert on repeated 200 responses to Tonda endpoints that carry traversal payloads, indicating successful inclusion attempts.
- Monitor filesystem integrity on wp-content/, wp-includes/, and PHP session directories for unauthorized changes.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57805
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Tonda theme and confirm the installed version is <= 2.5.
- Temporarily disable or replace the Tonda theme on affected sites until a fixed release is deployed.
- Rotate WordPress administrator credentials, API keys, and database passwords if exploitation is suspected.
Patch Information
No fixed version is listed in the NVD entry at the time of publication. Refer to the Patchstack advisory for the Tonda theme for the latest vendor guidance and any subsequent patched release.
Workarounds
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule that blocks path traversal sequences and absolute file paths in parameters processed by the Tonda theme.
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin area and reduce the number of authenticated low-privilege accounts that can reach vulnerable endpoints.
- Apply PHP open_basedir restrictions and disable dangerous functions where feasible to limit the reach of any successful inclusion.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
