CVE-2026-75115 in Pro Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2026
Joomla Extension - yootheme.com - Authenticated, privileged arbitrary file read in YOOtheme Pro 2.3.0-5.0.40 - The Filesystem source's path filter is vulnerable to glob-based pattern attacks, allowing authorized users to read arbitrary files.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2026
The vulnerability identified in YOOtheme Pro versions 2.3.0 through 5.0.40 for Joomla represents a critical security flaw within the application's file handling mechanisms. Specifically, this issue resides in the Filesystem source component where path filtering logic fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before processing it against glob patterns. This architectural weakness allows an authenticated attacker with privileged access levels to exploit improper validation of directory paths, leading directly to arbitrary local file read capabilities. The core technical flaw stems from a failure to restrict or escape special characters that are interpreted by the underlying operating system's globbing functions rather than being treated as literal path components. By injecting specific pattern-matching sequences into the input field, an attacker can manipulate the filesystem traversal logic to bypass intended directory boundaries and access sensitive files located outside of the expected web root or application directories.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which highlights the failure to enforce strict constraints on file path inputs. The exploitation vector relies on the interaction between PHP's glob function and insufficient input validation. When an authorized user provides a crafted string containing wildcard characters such as asterisks or question marks within the path parameter, the application processes this input without stripping these metacharacters. Consequently, instead of looking for a specific file in a designated folder, the system executes a pattern match that can resolve to any readable file on the server's filesystem where the web process has permissions. This mechanism effectively neutralizes standard directory traversal protections because the vulnerability does not rely solely on moving up directories using dot-dot-slash sequences but rather exploits the semantic interpretation of path filters during glob operations.
The operational impact of this flaw is significant for organizations relying on YOOtheme Pro for their Joomla-based websites. Although exploitation requires authentication and privileged access, which limits the attack surface to insiders or users whose credentials have been compromised through phishing, brute force, or other credential theft methods, the resulting data exposure can be severe. Attackers with read access to arbitrary files can extract sensitive configuration files containing database credentials, API keys, session secrets, and application-specific settings. Furthermore, they may access log files that reveal internal network topology, user activity patterns, or debug information useful for further reconnaissance. In environments where multiple sites share a single server instance, this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged to read files belonging to other applications hosted on the same infrastructure if permission boundaries are not strictly enforced at the OS level.
This incident aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, which describes adversary actions aimed at enumerating accessible files and directories within a compromised system. The exploitation of this vulnerability facilitates lateral movement or privilege escalation scenarios by providing attackers with critical intelligence about the server environment. It also supports data exfiltration phases where sensitive information is gathered prior to deeper infiltration. Defenders should recognize that even authenticated vulnerabilities pose substantial risks, particularly in content management systems where user roles may be loosely defined or shared among multiple individuals.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary defense is the application of vendor-provided patches updating YOOtheme Pro to a version beyond 5.0.40 that addresses this specific path filtering logic error. Administrators should ensure all extensions are kept up-to-date with security releases from their respective developers. In addition to patching, implementing strict input validation at the framework level is essential. This involves whitelisting allowed characters in file paths and rejecting any input containing glob metacharacters before they reach filesystem operations. Deploying a Web Application Firewall can provide an additional layer of defense by detecting and blocking requests with suspicious path patterns indicative of traversal or injection attacks. Regular audits of user permissions within Joomla should also be conducted to ensure that only necessary personnel have access to administrative features involving file management, thereby reducing the potential attack surface for authenticated threats.