CVE-2026-22427 in GoTravel 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 GoTravel gotravel allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects GoTravel: from n/a through <= 2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2026
The CVE-2026-22427 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that exists within the Mikado-Themes GoTravel gotravel framework. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically impacts versions of the GoTravel theme from the initial release through version 2.1, indicating a prolonged period during which this security weakness remained unaddressed. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as improper control of filename for include/require statements, which directly enables local file inclusion attacks. This classification aligns with the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation and remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application accepts user-supplied input that is directly used in PHP include or require functions without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating parameters that control which files are included in the PHP execution context, potentially allowing them to include malicious files from remote servers or local system files. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, which can lead to complete system compromise. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can be used to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or further compromise the underlying infrastructure. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that this vulnerability exists within a widely used WordPress theme, making numerous websites potentially vulnerable.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the application's behavior at runtime. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data theft, and the potential for lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects a popular theme, meaning that attackers can target multiple sites simultaneously with a single exploit. Organizations running affected versions of the GoTravel theme face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access through backdoor installations, making long-term security monitoring essential. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include and ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages, indicating the multi-faceted nature of the attack vectors available to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-22427 should prioritize immediate version updates to the GoTravel theme, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that could influence file inclusion operations. The implementation of a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically targeting PHP Remote File Inclusion patterns can provide additional protection layers. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP settings and implementing proper file access controls. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within other components of the application stack. System administrators should also monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and implement logging mechanisms that track such activities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture against similar vulnerabilities.