CVE-2026-27339 in Buzz Stone Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in AncoraThemes Buzz Stone | Magazine & Viral Blog WordPress Theme buzzstone allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Buzz Stone | Magazine & Viral Blog WordPress Theme: from n/a through <= 1.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-27339 represents a critical improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs, commonly classified as PHP Remote File Inclusion or Local File Inclusion. This security flaw specifically impacts the AncoraThemes Buzz Stone | Magazine & Viral Blog WordPress Theme, where the theme fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in include or require statements. The vulnerability exists within the theme version range from an unspecified starting point through version 1.0.2, indicating that all versions within this range are potentially susceptible to exploitation. The issue stems from the theme's insecure handling of file inclusion mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate the include/require statements through crafted input parameters that control which files are loaded during theme execution.
The technical flaw manifests when the theme accepts user input through HTTP parameters or other external sources and directly incorporates this input into PHP include or require statements without proper sanitization or validation. This creates a pathway for attackers to load arbitrary local or remote files on the server, potentially leading to code execution, data exposure, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for local file inclusion attacks where malicious actors can traverse the file system to access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to the underlying server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple theme functionality issues, presenting significant security risks to WordPress installations using the affected theme. When exploited, the vulnerability can enable attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because WordPress themes are often less scrutinized than core components, making them attractive targets for exploitation. This vulnerability can result in unauthorized data access, defacement of websites, installation of backdoors, or use of compromised systems for further attacks. The widespread adoption of WordPress themes makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could affect numerous websites simultaneously if they are running vulnerable versions of the Buzz Stone theme.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-27339 should focus on immediate remediation through theme updates to versions that properly address the file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being used directly in include/require statements. The implementation of proper parameter validation, use of whitelisting mechanisms for file inclusion, and restriction of file access paths can significantly reduce the risk. Additionally, following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper file permissions can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security assessments of WordPress installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-22 categories related to improper input validation and path traversal attacks, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for PHP web shell deployment through remote file inclusion.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in PHP applications, particularly when handling user input in file inclusion contexts. Proper validation and sanitization of all external inputs should be implemented before any file operations are performed. This includes using allowlists of permitted files, implementing proper error handling, and ensuring that include/require statements do not accept arbitrary user input. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date security patches and regularly audit their WordPress themes and plugins for known vulnerabilities. The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with common exploitation techniques used in web application attacks, making it essential for security teams to monitor and respond to such threats promptly to prevent potential compromise of WordPress installations.