PHP Local File Inclusion in Edge-Themes Aalto

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-57788 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the WordPress Aalto Theme versions 1.8 and below. It arises from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker with contributor-level privileges to include local files from the target website.

This flaw can expose sensitive data such as database credentials if the website's configuration permits access to such files.

The vulnerability is classified under the OWASP Top 10 category A3: Injection.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting the Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Aalto theme (CVE-2026-57788) on your system or network involves checking for the presence of vulnerable theme versions and testing for potential exploitation vectors. Below are some methods and commands to help identify this vulnerability.

• Check the installed version of the Aalto theme on your WordPress site. Navigate to the WordPress admin dashboard, go to **Appearance > Themes**, and verify the version of the Aalto theme. Versions 1.8 and below are vulnerable.
• Use a WordPress vulnerability scanner like WPScan to detect the vulnerability. Run the following command to scan your site: `wpscan --url <your-wordpress-site> --enumerate vp,vt,tt,cb,dbe,u,m --plugins-detection aggressive`. This will check for known vulnerabilities in themes, plugins, and core files.
• Manually test for LFI by attempting to access sensitive files via crafted URLs. For example, try accessing the `wp-config.php` file, which contains database credentials, by appending a malicious payload to a vulnerable parameter (e.g., `https://<your-site>/?file=../../../../wp-config.php`). If the file contents are displayed, the site is vulnerable.
• Inspect server logs for suspicious activity, such as repeated requests to include local files (e.g., `../../../../etc/passwd` or `wp-config.php`). Use commands like `grep -r "../../" /var/log/apache2/` or `grep -r "wp-config.php" /var/log/nginx/` to search for such attempts.
• Use network monitoring tools like Wireshark or tcpdump to capture and analyze HTTP requests targeting your WordPress site. Look for requests containing LFI payloads (e.g., `file=../../`). Example command: `tcpdump -i eth0 -A 'port 80 and (host <your-server-ip>)' | grep "../../"`.

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Impact Analysis

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive local files on the web server, potentially exposing critical information like database credentials.

This can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, as indicated by the CVSS score of 7.5 with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

However, exploitation requires contributor-level privileges and has a limited likelihood, which reduces the overall risk.

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Compliance Impact

The Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Aalto theme (CVE-2026-57788) can significantly impact compliance with standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA due to its potential to expose sensitive data. Below are the key compliance risks:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): If the LFI vulnerability leads to unauthorized access to personally identifiable information (PII) stored in local files (e.g., configuration files, logs, or database credentials), it may constitute a data breach under GDPR. Organizations could face penalties for failing to protect personal data, especially if they did not implement adequate security measures or timely remediation.
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): For organizations handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive patient data. A breach of PHI due to LFI may violate HIPAA's Security Rule, which mandates safeguards for electronic PHI. Non-compliance could lead to fines and legal consequences.
• Other Standards: The vulnerability aligns with OWASP Top 10's A3: Injection category, indicating a failure to meet secure coding practices. Compliance frameworks like ISO 27001 or NIST SP 800-53 may also be impacted if the vulnerability exposes weaknesses in access control or data protection mechanisms.

Organizations using the vulnerable Aalto theme should prioritize remediation to avoid regulatory violations, reputational damage, and financial penalties. Immediate actions, such as updating the theme or implementing compensating controls, are recommended to mitigate compliance risks.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate action is recommended to mitigate the Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the WordPress Aalto Theme versions 1.8 and below.

• Update the Aalto theme to a non-vulnerable version if available.
• If no official patch is available, seek assistance from your hosting provider or a developer to apply custom fixes or mitigations.

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