CVE-2026-28117
Published: 05 March 2026
Description
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in axiomthemes smart SEO smartSEO allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects smart SEO: from n/a through <= 2.9.
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5)AI
Directly addresses the CVE by identifying, reporting, and remediating the specific flaw in the smart SEO WordPress theme's PHP include/require handling.
Implements input validation mechanisms to sanitize filenames supplied to PHP include/require statements, preventing local file inclusion exploitation.
Enforces secure PHP configuration settings such as open_basedir and allow_url_include=Off to restrict file inclusion paths and mitigate LFI attempts.
Security SummaryAI
CVE-2026-28117 is an Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program vulnerability, classified under CWE-98 and described as enabling PHP Local File Inclusion despite the naming as PHP Remote File Inclusion. It affects the smart SEO WordPress theme developed by axiomthemes, impacting all versions from an unspecified initial release through 2.9. The vulnerability was published on 2026-03-05 and 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).
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability over the network with high attack complexity and no user interaction. Successful exploitation allows high-impact compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, potentially enabling local file inclusion to read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code if PHP files are included.
Mitigation details are available in the Patchstack advisory at https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/smartSEO/vulnerability/wordpress-smart-seo-theme-2-9-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve.
Details
- CWE(s)
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
This is a remote file inclusion vulnerability in a public-facing WordPress theme, directly enabling exploitation of a public-facing web application (T1190) for file disclosure and potential code execution.