CVE-2026-28096 in WealthCo 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 WealthCo wealthco allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects WealthCo: from n/a through <= 2.18.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
The CVE-2026-28096 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that undermines the security posture of ThemeREX WealthCo wealthco versions up to and including 2.18. This vulnerability resides in the improper handling of filename parameters within include/require statements, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate file inclusion mechanisms to execute arbitrary code. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into PHP include/require directives, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths or URLs for inclusion. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-98 which specifically addresses Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices that mandate strict input validation and parameter sanitization before file operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables local file inclusion attacks where malicious actors can leverage the compromised include mechanism to access sensitive files on the server or execute malicious code through remote file inclusion techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can exploit this flaw to include malicious PHP files hosted on remote servers, potentially leading to backdoor installation, privilege escalation, and persistent access to the affected system. The vulnerability's presence in the wealthco application creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes Exploit Public-Facing Application, and T1078 which covers Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and potentially move laterally within networks. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects a widely used theme framework, potentially exposing numerous installations to similar exploitation vectors and creating a scalable attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-28096 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. The primary immediate fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all parameters that influence file inclusion operations, including disabling the ability to include remote files through configuration settings such as setting allow_url_include to off in php.ini. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation using whitelisting techniques that restrict file inclusion to predefined safe paths and file extensions, while ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous sanitization before being processed by include/require statements. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive secure coding training program for development teams is essential to prevent similar issues in future releases, as this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of secure programming practices that should be ingrained in all development processes. The remediation approach should also include regular security audits and code reviews focused specifically on file inclusion mechanisms, with automated scanning tools integrated into continuous integration pipelines to detect similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments.