CVE-2026-22324 in Melania Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX Melania allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Melania: from n/a through 2.5.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2026
The CVE-2026-22324 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that manifests through improper control of filename parameters in include/require statements within the ThemeREX Melania WordPress theme. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts versions of the Melania theme from an unspecified starting point through version 2.5.0, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors targeting WordPress installations. The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the theme's file inclusion functionality by supplying malicious filenames that bypass normal input validation checks, potentially leading to remote code execution and complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the theme's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP include or require statements. When the Melania theme processes user input through parameters that control which files should be included, it does not adequately validate or filter the filename values, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths. This weakness directly relates to CWE-98, which describes improper control of code execution through file inclusion mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting specific URLs or parameters that reference external malicious files or local system files, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant hosting environments where a single compromised WordPress installation could affect multiple users. Additionally, the inclusion of local file inclusion capabilities means attackers can access system files, configuration data, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper access to underlying infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-22324 should prioritize immediate patching of the Melania theme to version 2.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the improper filename validation. System administrators should implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file inclusion patterns. The implementation of PHP's open_basedir directive and disabling of remote file inclusion features through php.ini configuration can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other themes and plugins, as this type of flaw is commonly found in poorly secured PHP applications. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not break existing functionality while maintaining the security posture of the affected systems.