CVE-2026-28009 in DroneX 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 DroneX dronex allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects DroneX: from n/a through <= 1.1.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
The CVE-2026-28009 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the ThemeREX DroneX dronex application that enables attackers to manipulate include/require statements through improper filename control. This vulnerability specifically affects versions from n/a through version 1.1.12, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file inclusion processes, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths into the include/require directives.
This vulnerability operates at the core of PHP's dynamic include functionality where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker can manipulate parameters that are subsequently passed to include or require statements, they can potentially execute arbitrary PHP code or access sensitive files on the server. The flaw particularly manifests when user-controllable variables are directly incorporated into file path constructions without proper sanitization or validation checks, creating an attack surface that aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-88 categories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local file inclusion attacks that can escalate to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include malicious PHP files from remote servers, potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application. The vulnerability also allows for directory traversal attacks, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server, including configuration files, database credentials, and other critical system resources. This type of attack vector is particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is processed and used for file operations, as it can bypass traditional security measures and provide persistent access to compromised systems.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Input validation and sanitization should be enforced at all entry points where file inclusion parameters are processed, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes strict validation before being used in include/require operations. The application should implement a whitelist-based approach for file inclusion, allowing only predefined, trusted files to be included. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration and implementing proper access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and enforce security policies consistent with MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1190 and T1059 techniques. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that all components remain protected against similar vulnerabilities.