Cyber Posture

CVE-2026-27997

High

Published: 05 March 2026

Published
05 March 2026
Modified
22 April 2026
KEV Added
—
Patch
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CVSS Score 8.1 CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS Score 0.0016 37.1th percentile
Risk Priority 16 60% EPSS · 20% KEV · 20% CVSS

Description

Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX Maxify maxify allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Maxify: from n/a through <= 1.0.16.

Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5)AI

SI-2 Flaw Remediation good match
prevent

Requires timely remediation of known flaws like the PHP LFI vulnerability in Maxify theme through patching to versions beyond 1.0.16.

SI-10 Information Input Validation good match
prevent

Mandates validation of user-supplied filenames used in PHP include/require statements to block malicious local file paths.

SI-9 Information Input Restrictions good match
prevent

Restricts inputs for file inclusion to whitelisted safe filenames, preventing traversal to arbitrary local files.

Security SummaryAI

CVE-2026-27997 is an Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program vulnerability, classified as PHP Remote File Inclusion but enabling PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI), affecting the ThemeREX Maxify WordPress theme. The issue impacts all versions from n/a through 1.0.16. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) and maps to CWE-98. The vulnerability was published on 2026-03-05.

Unauthenticated attackers with network access can exploit this vulnerability remotely, though it requires high attack complexity. Successful exploitation allows high-impact compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially enabling attackers to include and execute local files on the server, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or further system compromise depending on the targeted files.

Patchstack provides details on the vulnerability in the Maxify WordPress theme via their database advisory at https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/maxify/vulnerability/wordpress-maxify-theme-1-0-16-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve, which security practitioners should consult for mitigation guidance, such as applying available patches or updates beyond version 1.0.16.

Details

CWE(s)
CWE-98

MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI

T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application Initial Access
Adversaries may attempt to exploit a weakness in an Internet-facing host or system to initially access a network.
attack.mitre.org →
Why these techniques?

CVE-2026-27997 is a remote/local file inclusion vulnerability in a public-facing WordPress theme, directly enabling exploitation of public-facing applications via unauthenticated remote access.

Confidence: HIGH · MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise v19.0

References