CVE-2026-28020
Local File Inclusion in ThemeREX Chroma <= 1.11 Allows Code Execution
Publication date: 2026-03-05
Last updated on: 2026-03-06
Assigner: Patchstack
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| themerex | chroma | to 1.11 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-98 | The PHP application receives input from an upstream component, but it does not restrict or incorrectly restricts the input before its usage in "require," "include," or similar functions. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2026-28020 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the WordPress Chroma Theme versions up to and including 1.11. It allows unauthenticated attackers to include and display local files from the target website by exploiting improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP.
This vulnerability is classified under OWASP Top 10 A3: Injection, meaning it involves injecting malicious input to manipulate the application behavior.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Exploiting this vulnerability could expose sensitive files on the affected website, such as those containing database credentials.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "This exposure can potentially lead to a complete database takeover depending on the site's configuration."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Since the vulnerability requires no authentication to exploit, it poses a high risk and urgency for website administrators to apply mitigations.'}] [1]
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to include and display local files from the target website, which can be detected by monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests attempting to exploit Local File Inclusion (LFI).
While no specific commands are provided, administrators can look for unusual URL parameters or requests containing file path traversal patterns (e.g., ../) targeting the ThemeREX Chroma theme endpoints.
Additionally, applying the mitigation rule from Patchstack can help block attack attempts and serve as an indicator of exploitation attempts in logs.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Since no official patch is currently available for this vulnerability, immediate mitigation involves applying the Patchstack mitigation rule that blocks attack attempts.
Website administrators should implement this mitigation to provide immediate protection until an official fix is released and tested.
Additionally, monitoring logs for suspicious activity and restricting access to sensitive files can help reduce the risk of exploitation.