CVE-2026-22401
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Freshio WordPress theme. Attackers can include arbitrary local files through improper filename control in include/require statements, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution. All WordPress sites using Freshio theme versions up to and including 2.4.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Freshio WordPress Theme
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Information disclosure limited to publicly accessible files if proper file permissions are configured.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal or file inclusion payloads can exploit this vulnerability. Public exploit code is available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.4.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/freshio/vulnerability/wordpress-freshio-theme-2-4-2-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check for Freshio theme updates. 4. Update to version 2.4.3 or later. 5. Clear any caching plugins or CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme temporarily
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate freshio
Web Application Firewall rule
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 600 for sensitive files, chmod 755 for web directories)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version: wp theme list | grep freshio or inspect wp-content/themes/freshio/style.css version headerCheck Version:
wp theme list | grep freshio || grep 'Version:' wp-content/themes/freshio/style.cssVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Freshio theme version is 2.4.3 or higher: wp theme list | grep freshio📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns in parameters
- Access to unusual PHP files or configuration files from web logs
- Failed attempts to access /etc/passwd or other system files
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file inclusion patterns in HTTP requests
- Requests to theme files with path traversal parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*..\\*" OR params="*include*" OR params="*require*")