CVE-2026-24538 in Omnipress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in omnipressteam Omnipress omnipress allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Omnipress: from n/a through <= 1.6.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2026
The CVE-2026-24538 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the Omnipress plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions through 1.6.6. This vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is subsequently used in PHP include or require directives, allowing attackers to manipulate the file inclusion process. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-98 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and more specifically align with CWE-88 which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')." The vulnerability creates a direct attack surface where remote code execution becomes possible through manipulated file paths.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-controllable parameters are passed directly into PHP include or require functions without adequate input validation or sanitization. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs or parameters that point to remote malicious files or local files within the server's file system. When the vulnerable plugin processes these parameters, it executes the included code, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive data from the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the core of PHP's file inclusion mechanisms, where legitimate file operations can be subverted through carefully crafted input manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can use the RFI capability to download and execute malicious payloads from remote servers, potentially installing backdoors, keyloggers, or other persistent malware. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where Omnipress is installed, making it a significant threat to website owners and administrators. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the T1190 technique "Exploit Public-Facing Application," which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in applications accessible from the internet. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations relying on WordPress platforms, as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-24538 should prioritize immediate patching of the Omnipress plugin to versions that properly validate and sanitize input parameters before use in include/require statements. Organizations should implement input validation measures that reject suspicious characters or patterns in file path parameters, particularly those that could enable path traversal or remote file inclusion. The use of PHP's allow_url_include directive should be disabled in the php.ini configuration file, as this prevents the inclusion of remote files through URL protocols. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and restricting file inclusion capabilities to only necessary paths can significantly reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or custom code implementations, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.