CVE-2026-28046 in Law Office 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 Law Office law-office allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Law Office: from n/a through <= 3.3.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
The CVE-2026-28046 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that undermines the security posture of the ThemeREX Law Office theme. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code through crafted file inclusion requests. The flaw specifically affects versions of the Law Office theme ranging from the initial release through version 3.3.0, indicating a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple iterations. The vulnerability type aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of filename for include or require statements, making it a classic example of insecure file inclusion practices that have plagued PHP applications for years. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the include/require mechanism to load and execute malicious files from remote servers or local system directories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application accepts user input without proper sanitization or validation before using it in an include or require statement. Attackers can exploit this by supplying malicious filenames or URLs that get processed directly into the PHP include mechanism, potentially allowing them to load remote PHP files containing malicious code or local files that contain backdoors. The vulnerability creates a direct path for privilege escalation and remote code execution, as the included files execute with the privileges of the web server process. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate parameters used in file inclusion functions, typically leveraging the same attack vectors found in the broader PHP RFI category. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization, which are core requirements for secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to the entire web application environment. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just individual files but potentially the entire WordPress installation that uses the Law Office theme, as the include/require mechanism is often used for loading theme components, plugins, or core functionality. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities is particularly concerning because they can be exploited automatically by scanning tools, making them attractive targets for automated attacks. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication. This weakness also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for PHP remote file inclusion, which is categorized under the 'Server Software Component' attack pattern, demonstrating how such vulnerabilities can be weaponized in broader attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-28046 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the ThemeREX Law Office theme, as this will eliminate the vulnerable include/require mechanisms. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are used in file inclusion operations, ensuring that only expected and safe filenames are processed. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in PHP configuration should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and least privilege principles can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file inclusion patterns or attempts to access unauthorized resources through the web application. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack, as this vulnerability represents a common class of flaws that can exist in various forms across different applications and frameworks.