CVE-2026-94062 in Werkstatt Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Fuelthemes Werkstatt werkstatt allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Werkstatt: from n/a through 4.8.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the Fuelthemes Werkstatt WordPress theme, specifically affecting versions ranging from initial releases up to version 4.8.3. This issue is classified as an improper control of filename for include or require statements in PHP programs, commonly referred to as Remote File Inclusion or RFI when external files are involved, though the specific description notes it allows Local File Inclusion (LFI). The core technical flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that is directly passed into PHP functions such as include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once(). When a script incorporates these dynamic file paths without rigorous checks against directory traversal sequences like ../, an attacker can manipulate the request to point to unintended files. While traditional RFI exploits target remote servers to execute malicious code hosted externally, LFI vulnerabilities allow attackers to read sensitive local files on the web server, such as configuration files containing database credentials, system logs, or source code of other applications installed in the same directory structure.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability arises because the application fails to enforce strict constraints on the file path parameters provided by users. In many PHP-based themes and plugins, dynamic content is loaded based on user input for customization purposes. If the developer does not whitelist allowed files or properly escape special characters, an attacker can inject directory traversal sequences into these inputs. By appending patterns like ../../etc/passwd to a valid parameter, the underlying PHP engine interprets this as a request to access system-level resources rather than theme-specific assets. This lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for unauthorized data disclosure and potentially remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities or specific server configurations that allow local file inclusion to execute arbitrary scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly in environments where the web application runs with elevated privileges or hosts multiple applications on the same server instance. Successful exploitation can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, including database connection strings, API keys, and administrative credentials stored in configuration files like wp-config.php. Furthermore, if an attacker gains access to local scripts that are executable by the PHP interpreter, they may achieve full remote code execution (RCE), effectively taking control of the web server. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire system hosting the vulnerable theme. Attackers can use this foothold to install backdoors, deface websites, or pivot into internal networks if the server is part of a larger infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program and falls under the broader category of CWE-200 Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor when local files are read. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this flaw is associated with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1552 Unsecured Credentials if used to extract config files containing passwords, or T1083 File and Directory Discovery for enumerating system structures. It also relates to T1608 Install Malicious Software if the LFI leads to RCE via local script execution. The vulnerability is primarily a result of insecure coding practices where developers assume user input will always be benign without implementing robust validation mechanisms such as allowlists or strict path canonicalization before passing variables to file inclusion functions.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate remediation and long-term secure development practices. For administrators using Fuelthemes Werkstatt versions up to 4.8.3, the most effective mitigation is to update the theme to a patched version where this issue has been resolved by the vendor. If an updated version is not available or applicable, temporary mitigations include restricting file inclusion capabilities within PHP configuration settings if possible, although this may break legitimate functionality. More robustly, web application firewalls can be configured with rulesets that detect and block requests containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ in parameters associated with theme files. Developers should implement strict input validation by whitelisting allowed filenames or using absolute paths rather than relative ones to prevent path manipulation. Additionally, ensuring that PHP error reporting is disabled in production environments reduces the amount of information leaked during exploitation attempts, although this does not fix the underlying vulnerability. Regular security audits and static code analysis tools can help identify similar patterns in custom themes and plugins before deployment.