CVE-2026-24531
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Prowess theme from unknown versions through 2.3, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Select-Themes Prowess 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
Full server compromise through arbitrary code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete system takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Unauthorized file access prevented, but system remains vulnerable to other attack vectors if not patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: >2.3
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/prowess/vulnerability/wordpress-prowess-theme-2-3-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes
3. Check Prowess theme version
4. If version <=2.3, update immediately via theme updater or manual upload
5. Verify update to version >2.3
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Prowess Theme
allSwitch to default WordPress theme to remove vulnerable component
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Local File Inclusion Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permission controls on web directories
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress theme version in wp-content/themes/prowess/style.css or via WordPress admin panelCheck Version:
grep 'Version' wp-content/themes/prowess/style.css | head -1Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm Prowess theme version >2.3 and test with known exploit payloads📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ patterns in parameters
- PHP include/require errors referencing unexpected files
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd in web logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in URL parameters
- Requests to theme files with parameter manipulation
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*/etc/passwd*" OR uri="*/wp-config.php*")