CVE-2026-22516 in Wizors Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in AncoraThemes Wizor's wizors-investments allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Wizor's: from n/a through <= 2.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2026
The CVE-2026-22516 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw within the AncoraThemes Wizor theme, specifically impacting the wizors-investments component. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists in versions of the Wizor theme ranging from the initial release through version 2.12, making a substantial portion of installations potentially vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of filenames for include or require statements, commonly referred to as Local File Inclusion attacks. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the include/require functionality to load and execute malicious files from remote servers or local system directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into PHP include or require statements without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that target the vulnerable include functionality, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files, execution of arbitrary PHP code, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged through web-based attacks targeting the WordPress theme's functionality. The attack vector typically involves manipulating query parameters or POST data that gets passed to the include/require statement, allowing the attacker to specify arbitrary file paths or URLs to be included and executed by the PHP interpreter. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Server-side Include" and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-22516 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to server resources, extract sensitive information, modify website content, or establish persistent backdoors for future access. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations using the affected Wizor theme, potentially compromising thousands of websites if the theme remains widely deployed. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, website defacement, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking internal networks. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack methods including direct URL manipulation, parameter tampering, or through other attack vectors that can inject malicious input into the vulnerable include functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-22516 focus on immediate remediation through software updates and input validation implementation. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest version of the Wizor theme where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into include/require statements. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by blocking suspicious include parameters and monitoring for known attack patterns. Security hardening practices including disabling dangerous PHP functions, implementing proper file permissions, and restricting file inclusion paths should be implemented. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments help identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack. The remediation process should also include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging mechanisms to track suspicious activities. Organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege for web server accounts and ensuring that sensitive system files are not accessible through web root directories to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.