CVE-2026-57793 in Flow Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Elated-Themes Flow flow allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Flow: from n/a through <= 1.8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP applications, commonly classified as PHP Remote File Inclusion or Local File Inclusion. This weakness occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into PHP include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability specifically affects Elated-Themes Flow flow versions from any initial release through version 1.8, creating a persistent security risk across multiple iterations of the software.
This flaw operates at the core of PHP's dynamic inclusion mechanism where developers may use functions like include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() to load external files dynamically. When user input flows directly into these statements without adequate filtering or validation, attackers can manipulate the file path parameter to include arbitrary local or remote files. The vulnerability enables an attacker to execute malicious code on the target system by leveraging the PHP interpreter's ability to process and execute code contained within included files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows for complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include malicious PHP scripts, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, executing arbitrary commands, or establishing persistent backdoors on the affected server. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and can be particularly dangerous in web applications where user input is processed through form fields, URL parameters, or API endpoints. According to CWE standards, this maps directly to CWE-98 which describes improper control of code generation capabilities.
The exploitation typically involves crafting malicious input that manipulates the include statement to reference attacker-controlled files located on the local filesystem or remote servers. This attack vector can be particularly devastating in content management systems, web applications, or plugins where user interaction is expected and input validation may be insufficient. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat as it remains active in all affected versions of the Flow theme, requiring immediate remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate patching requirements and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of the Flow theme where this vulnerability has been resolved. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures is crucial, including whitelisting acceptable file paths, using absolute path resolution, and implementing strict access controls for included files. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that PHP processes run with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to predefined directories only. Security frameworks and application firewalls can also provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1505.003 for Server Software Component, where adversaries compromise systems by exploiting software vulnerabilities in web applications or server components. The attack surface is particularly broad given that many WordPress themes and plugins utilize similar inclusion patterns without proper security measures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential instances of this weakness within their PHP-based applications and implement secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security monitoring and automated scanning tools can help detect anomalous file inclusion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The remediation process requires not only updating the vulnerable theme but also implementing comprehensive code reviews to identify similar patterns throughout the application codebase. Security headers, proper error handling, and input validation routines should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles. Continuous security education for developers regarding secure coding practices is essential to prevent recurrence of such fundamental flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.