CVE-2026-28039
Local File Inclusion in wpDataTables ≤ 6.5.0.1 Allows Code Execution
Publication date: 2026-03-05
Last updated on: 2026-04-28
Assigner: Patchstack
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| wpdatatables | wpdatatables | to 6.5.0.1 (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-2026-28039 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the WordPress wpDataTables plugin versions up to and including 6.5.0.1. It occurs due to improper control of filenames used in include or require statements in PHP, allowing an attacker to include and display local files from the target website.
Exploitation requires user interaction by a privileged user, such as clicking a malicious link, visiting a crafted page, or submitting a form. The vulnerability falls under the OWASP Top 10 category A3: Injection and has a high severity CVSS score of 7.5.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow an attacker to include and display sensitive local files from the affected website, potentially exposing critical information such as database credentials.
Successful exploitation depends on privileged user interaction, which means an attacker might trick a privileged user into performing an action that triggers the vulnerability.
The impact is significant as it can lead to information disclosure and further compromise of the website or server.
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?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability allows an attacker to include and display local files from the target website by exploiting improper control of filename in include/require statements in the wpDataTables plugin.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Detection can involve monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests that attempt to include local files via crafted URLs or form submissions targeting the wpDataTables plugin.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Since no official patch is available, applying mitigation rules from Patchstack is recommended to block attack attempts.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Use web server logs or intrusion detection systems (IDS) to look for requests containing suspicious parameters that may attempt local file inclusion.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Example command to search web server logs for suspicious inclusion attempts (assuming Apache logs):'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'grep -iE "(\\.|%2e){2,}" /var/log/apache2/access.log | grep wpdatatables'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'This command looks for directory traversal patterns (e.g., ../) in requests related to wpDataTables.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Use tools like curl or Burp Suite to simulate requests with crafted parameters to test if the system is vulnerable.'}] [1]
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 designed to block attacks targeting this issue.
Users should apply this mitigation immediately to protect their websites from exploitation.
Additional steps include restricting privileged user interactions that could trigger the vulnerability, such as limiting access to trusted users and monitoring for suspicious activity.
Consider disabling or removing the wpDataTables plugin temporarily if mitigation is not feasible.