CVE-2026-28107 in Muzicon 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 Muzicon muzicon allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Muzicon: from n/a through <= 1.9.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
The CVE-2026-28107 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the ThemeREX Muzicon muzicon theme that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through improper control of filename parameters in include/require statements. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the Muzicon theme ranging from the initial release through version 1.9.0, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations utilizing this theme. The flaw resides in how the application handles user-supplied input when constructing file paths for dynamic inclusion operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the include statement to load arbitrary files from the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the theme's file inclusion mechanisms. When the theme processes user-controlled parameters to determine which files to include, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before passing it to PHP's include or require functions. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious file paths that can resolve to local files or remote URLs, effectively bypassing normal file access controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application uses variables directly in include statements without proper filtering or context validation, making it susceptible to local file inclusion attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to read sensitive files, execute arbitrary commands, and potentially gain full administrative control over affected WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access database credentials, configuration files, and other sensitive information stored on the server. The local file inclusion aspect means that attackers can read system files, including password hashes, configuration files, and other sensitive data that could be used for further attacks or privilege escalation. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to upload and execute malicious payloads, creating persistent backdoors or enabling attackers to establish remote access to compromised systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of dynamic code generation, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side include attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress themes are frequently targeted due to their accessibility and the broad user base they serve. Organizations running affected versions of the Muzicon theme face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security controls are insufficient or where multiple WordPress installations are deployed across different systems.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected theme to version 1.9.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent improper file inclusion. Administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters used in include statements are properly validated before processing. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by monitoring for suspicious include patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other themes or plugins, while also implementing proper file permissions and access controls to limit the damage that could occur if exploitation were to succeed.