CVE-2026-27065 in BuilderPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThimPress BuilderPress allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects BuilderPress: from n/a through 2.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2026
The CVE-2026-27065 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the ThimPress BuilderPress plugin that exposes systems to unauthorized remote code execution. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the PHP interpreter's file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects BuilderPress versions ranging from the initial release through 2.0.1, indicating a persistent issue that has not been adequately addressed in the plugin's codebase. The vulnerability operates by allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths into parameters that are subsequently processed by PHP's include or require functions, effectively bypassing normal file access controls and enabling arbitrary code execution on the target server.
This security weakness falls under the CWE-98 category of "Improper Control of Dynamic Code Generation" and more specifically aligns with CWE-88, "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection')", when considering the broader attack surface. The vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" through the potential for remote code execution. The root cause lies in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input that is used in dynamic include statements, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can influence the file inclusion process. When a vulnerable parameter is passed to an include function without proper validation, the PHP interpreter will attempt to load and execute the specified file, potentially allowing remote attackers to include malicious files hosted on external servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors within the web infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but can also serve as a foothold for lateral movement within the network, particularly if the web server has access to sensitive internal resources. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish reverse shells, or perform further reconnaissance activities. The persistence of this vulnerability across multiple versions of the plugin indicates inadequate security testing during development cycles and suggests a systemic issue with input validation practices within the codebase.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-27065 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of the BuilderPress plugin where available, or implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that may influence file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation using allowlists of acceptable values, employ absolute path resolution for include statements, and disable dangerous PHP functions such as allow_url_include. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and applications. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains code execution capabilities, they cannot easily escalate privileges or access sensitive system resources.