Improper File Inclusion in Golo Framework

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-57794 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the WordPress Golo Framework Plugin versions 1.7.3 and below. It arises from 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.

This vulnerability is classified under OWASP Top 10 category A3: Injection, meaning it involves injecting malicious input to manipulate the application.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability involves checking if the Golo Framework plugin (versions 1.7.3 or below) is installed on your WordPress site, 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 Golo Framework plugin: Navigate to the WordPress admin dashboard, go to 'Plugins', and look for the Golo Framework plugin. Verify its version number. If it is 1.7.3 or below, the system is vulnerable.
• Use a WordPress vulnerability scanner: Tools like WPScan can scan your WordPress installation for known vulnerabilities. Run the following command to scan for vulnerabilities, including CVE-2026-57794: wpscan --url yourwebsite.com --enumerate vp
• Manually test for LFI vulnerabilities: If you have access to the server, you can attempt to exploit the LFI vulnerability by crafting a request to include local files. For example, try accessing a URL like: http://yourwebsite.com/wp-content/plugins/golo-framework/somefile.php?file=../../../../wp-config.php. If the contents of wp-config.php are displayed, the system is vulnerable.
• Review server logs: Check your web server logs for suspicious requests attempting to access local files, such as requests containing patterns like ../ or /etc/passwd. This may indicate exploitation attempts or probing for the vulnerability.

If the vulnerability is confirmed, immediate action is recommended, such as updating the plugin (if a patch is available) or seeking assistance from a web developer or hosting provider to mitigate the risk.

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Impact Analysis

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could access and display sensitive local files on the server hosting the vulnerable plugin.

In some configurations, this could lead to a complete database takeover if files containing credentials, such as database credentials, are accessed.

The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high severity impact, with potential consequences including confidentiality, integrity, and availability being compromised.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability, a Local File Inclusion (LFI) in the Golo Framework, can significantly impact compliance with standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

• GDPR: If the LFI vulnerability allows unauthorized access to files containing personally identifiable information (PII), it could lead to a data breach. Under GDPR, organizations must protect PII and report breaches within 72 hours. Failure to do so may result in fines up to 4% of global revenue or €20 million, whichever is higher.
• HIPAA: For organizations handling protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could expose sensitive patient data. HIPAA requires strict safeguards for PHI, and a breach could lead to penalties ranging from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with an annual maximum of $1.5 million.
• General compliance risks: The vulnerability falls under OWASP Top 10 A3: Injection, which is a critical security risk. Many compliance frameworks (e.g., PCI DSS, ISO 27001) require addressing such vulnerabilities to maintain certification or avoid penalties.

Since the vulnerability allows attackers to access local files, including those containing credentials or sensitive data, organizations must mitigate it promptly to avoid regulatory violations and potential legal consequences.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate action is recommended to update the affected Golo Framework plugin to a patched version if available.

If no official patch is available, seek assistance from a hosting provider or web developer to mitigate the risk.

Mitigation efforts should focus on preventing Local File Inclusion attacks by controlling file inclusion mechanisms and validating input.

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