CVE-2026-27992 in Meals & Wheels Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX Meals & Wheels meals-wheels allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Meals & Wheels: from n/a through <= 1.1.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through manipulated include or require statements within the ThemeREX Meals & Wheels plugin. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of filename parameters that are directly used in PHP include operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to load and execute remote or local files. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the Meals & Wheels plugin from the initial release through version 1.1.12, indicating a persistent flaw that has remained unaddressed for an extended period.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into PHP include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can manipulate parameters that control which files are included in the execution flow, potentially allowing them to load malicious PHP scripts from remote servers or local files on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which specifically addresses improper control of filename for include or require statements, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for PHP remote file inclusion. The flaw essentially bypasses normal access controls and allows arbitrary code execution within the context of the web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected system. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload additional malicious payloads, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but can potentially compromise the entire hosting environment, especially if the web server has elevated privileges. Organizations using affected versions of the Meals & Wheels plugin face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest version that addresses the issue. System administrators should also implement input validation controls at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious include parameters. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, implementing proper file inclusion practices such as using allowlists of approved files, validating file paths, and avoiding dynamic include statements with user-supplied data can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other components of the web application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file inclusion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.