PHP Local File Inclusion in Aqua Theme

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-57789 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the WordPress Aqua Theme version 5.1.2 or earlier. This vulnerability arises from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to include local files on the target website.

Exploiting this flaw could enable an attacker to access sensitive files on the server, such as configuration files or database credentials, depending on the server's configuration.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability involves checking if the WordPress Aqua theme version 5.1.2 or earlier is installed on your system, as it is susceptible to Local File Inclusion (LFI). Below are some methods to detect the vulnerability or its presence.

• Check the installed version of the Aqua theme: Navigate to the WordPress admin dashboard, go to 'Appearance' > 'Themes', and verify the version of the Aqua theme. If it is 5.1.2 or earlier, the system may be vulnerable.
• Scan for vulnerable files: Use a web vulnerability scanner like WPScan to detect outdated or vulnerable themes. Example command: wpscan --url [your-website-url] --enumerate vp,vt,tt
• Manually inspect theme files: Look for PHP files in the Aqua theme directory that may contain include or require statements with user-controlled input. Example command to list PHP files: find /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/themes/aqua -type f -name "*.php"
• Test for LFI vulnerability: If you have authorization, you can test for LFI by attempting to access local files via crafted URLs. Example: curl "http://[your-website-url]/wp-content/themes/aqua/[vulnerable-file].php?file=../../../../etc/passwd" (Note: Unauthorized testing is illegal and unethical.)

If the Aqua theme is detected and is version 5.1.2 or earlier, it is recommended to update the theme or seek assistance from a developer or hosting provider to mitigate the risk.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can impact you by allowing attackers to include and potentially read local files on your web server. This could lead to exposure of sensitive information like database credentials or configuration files.

Such exposure can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your website and its data, as indicated by the CVSS score of 7.5 with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Although the risk of exploitation is considered low, it is recommended to update the theme or seek assistance to mitigate this vulnerability.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability CVE-2026-57789, which allows Local File Inclusion (LFI) in the WordPress Aqua Theme, can impact compliance with standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA due to the potential exposure of sensitive data.

• GDPR: If the LFI vulnerability leads to unauthorized access to personally identifiable information (PII) stored in local files (e.g., configuration files containing user data), it may violate GDPR requirements for data protection and breach notification. Organizations must ensure the confidentiality and integrity of personal data, and this vulnerability could result in non-compliance if exploited.
• HIPAA: For organizations handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive health data if local files containing PHI are exposed. HIPAA requires safeguards to protect PHI, and exploitation of this vulnerability may constitute a breach, triggering reporting obligations and potential penalties.

Additionally, the lack of an official patch at the time of disclosure may prolong exposure, increasing the risk of non-compliance with these regulations if mitigations are not promptly implemented.

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Mitigation Strategies

The WordPress Aqua Theme version 5.1.2 or earlier is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion (LFI). Immediate action is recommended to mitigate this vulnerability.

• Update the Aqua theme to a version later than 5.1.2 if available.
• Seek assistance from your hosting provider or a developer to apply necessary fixes or workarounds.

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