CVE-2026-28039 in wpDataTables Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in wpDataTables wpDataTables wpdatatables allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects wpDataTables: from n/a through <= 6.5.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
The CVE-2026-28039 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw within the wpDataTables plugin, specifically impacting versions through 6.5.0.1. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper control of filename for include/require statements, which is classified as CWE-98 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of user-supplied input that is directly used in PHP's include or require functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the wpDataTables plugin, which is widely used for displaying data tables in WordPress environments, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators and security professionals.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate parameters that are passed to PHP's include or require statements. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating input parameters that control which files are included in the execution flow. When the plugin processes user input without proper validation, it allows remote attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can point to local files or even remote malicious payloads. This creates a dangerous scenario where an attacker can potentially include malicious PHP code from external sources or access sensitive local files on the server, leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-28039 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive data and system resources. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to database credentials, user information, and other sensitive files stored on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where wpDataTables is commonly deployed, as these systems often contain valuable data and may be part of larger web applications. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the use of remote services for code execution and data exfiltration. The vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, data theft, and potential use as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-28039 should focus on immediate patching of the affected wpDataTables plugin to version 6.5.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being directly used in include/require statements. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file inclusion paths to only necessary directories and implementing proper access controls. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging to detect unusual file inclusion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and the need for regular security updates in WordPress ecosystems, particularly for plugins that handle user input and file operations.