CVE-2026-22397 in Fleur Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Fleur fleur allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Fleur: from n/a through <= 2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2026
The CVE-2026-22397 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that exists within the Mikado-Themes Fleur fleur theme version 2.0 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code through local file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability specifically impacts the theme's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into PHP include directives without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating input parameters that control which files are included during script execution, potentially allowing them to load and execute malicious files from remote servers or local system directories. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-88 category, which describes improper control of a resource through a parameter, and is classified as a variant of the broader CWE-94 weakness related to code injection. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a common attack vector targeting web applications through input manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Fleur theme processes user input through parameters that are subsequently passed to PHP include or require functions. When these functions receive unsanitized input, they can be tricked into including files from unintended locations, potentially executing malicious code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow attackers to gain full control over the affected server, depending on the privileges of the web application and the specific system configuration. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters or form inputs that control which files should be included, with the malicious payload potentially being loaded from remote servers or local system directories that the web application can access. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or when the target system contains sensitive files that can be accessed through the vulnerable include mechanism. The vulnerability's scope is limited to versions of the Fleur theme from the initial release through version 2.0, indicating that any installations running newer versions would not be susceptible to this specific attack pattern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing affected versions of the Mikado-Themes Fleur fleur theme. Successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the web server, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, deploy backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against internal systems. The vulnerability's nature makes it particularly attractive to automated attack tools that scan for known patterns of such weaknesses, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. Organizations running vulnerable versions face potential regulatory compliance issues, as this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. The financial impact includes not only immediate remediation costs but also potential legal liabilities, reputational damage, and ongoing security monitoring requirements. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it accessible to threat actors across the spectrum from script kiddies to sophisticated adversaries, which amplifies its overall threat potential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-22397 should focus on immediate remediation through version updates to the Fleur theme, as well as implementing additional security controls to reduce the attack surface. Organizations must ensure that all affected installations are updated to versions that contain patches addressing the improper input validation in include/require statements. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious include parameter patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation and sanitization measures should be implemented to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly validated before being used in include operations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required permissions to reduce potential damage from successful exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within their web applications and implement proper logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems. The implementation of secure coding practices and regular security training for development teams can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future applications, aligning with the security controls recommended by frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001.