CVE-2026-78562 in Verdure Core Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2026
The Verdure Core plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 1.2. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2026
The Verdure Core plugin for WordPress contains a critical Local File Inclusion vulnerability affecting all versions up to and including 1.2. This flaw stems from insufficient input validation when handling user-supplied data, specifically within the parameters that dictate which files are loaded by the application logic. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this weakness by manipulating request variables to point to arbitrary file paths on the server's filesystem rather than intended plugin resources. Because WordPress plugins often operate with elevated privileges relative to standard web users, successfully exploiting this vulnerability grants an adversary significant control over the underlying system environment without requiring valid credentials or prior authentication.
The technical mechanism of this exploitation involves injecting malicious path sequences into input fields that are subsequently passed directly to PHP include functions such as include(), require(), or their variants. By supplying carefully crafted payloads containing directory traversal characters like ../, attackers can escape the intended web root and access sensitive system files. If the server configuration allows for remote file inclusion via php.ini settings, an attacker could even load malicious scripts hosted on external servers. However, in local contexts where image uploads are permitted, the impact is particularly severe because uploaded assets often reside within writable directories accessible to the web server process, facilitating direct code execution through included files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data leakage. Successful exploitation allows for complete remote code execution on the compromised host. Attackers can leverage this access to bypass existing authentication mechanisms, escalate privileges by modifying configuration files or injecting backdoors into core system scripts, and exfiltrate sensitive database credentials stored in wp-config.php or other configuration artifacts. Furthermore, because WordPress sites frequently handle user data including personal identifiable information and financial records, the breach compromises confidentiality integrity across the entire application stack. The ability to execute arbitrary PHP code means that attackers can install persistent malware, launch further attacks against internal network resources, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for broader infrastructure compromise.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in the Common Weakness Enumeration taxonomy and is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1505 Server Software Component: Web Shell within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The exploitation path typically involves initial access through unauthenticated endpoints followed by privilege escalation via file manipulation, mapping to tactics such as Initial Access and Persistence depending on how the included files are utilized post-exploitation.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate remediation due to the severity of remote code execution risks. Administrators should update the Verdure Core plugin to a version newer than 1.2 where this input validation flaw has been addressed by developers implementing strict allowlists for acceptable file types and paths. In cases where updating is not immediately feasible, temporary mitigations include restricting web server permissions to prevent writing or reading outside designated directories, disabling PHP execution in upload folders through .htaccess rules or Nginx configuration directives, and deploying a Web Application Firewall configured to detect and block directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual file system changes are also recommended to ensure early detection of any attempted exploitation activities.