CVE-2026-22361 identifies a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the axiomthemes A-Mart PHP application, specifically due to improper control over filenames used in include or require statements. This vulnerability arises when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being used in PHP's include or require functions, enabling an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include unintended local files. Such files could contain sensitive configuration data, source code, or other critical information. The vulnerability affects all versions of A-Mart up to and including 1.0.2. While the description mentions 'PHP Remote File Inclusion,' the actual issue is Local File Inclusion, which is typically easier to exploit in environments where remote file inclusion is disabled. Exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk profile. No public exploits have been reported yet, and no patches or fixes have been linked at the time of publication. The vulnerability was reserved in early January 2026 and published in February 2026. The lack of a CVSS score means severity must be assessed based on the potential impact and exploitability. LFI vulnerabilities can lead to information disclosure, code execution (if combined with other vulnerabilities), and server compromise. Given the widespread use of PHP-based e-commerce themes and the critical role of such applications, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected organizations.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-22361 is the potential disclosure of sensitive files on the affected server, which can include configuration files, database credentials, or source code. This information leakage can facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation, remote code execution, or full system compromise. For organizations running A-Mart in production environments, especially those exposed to the internet, this vulnerability can lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, and regulatory penalties. The ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, as attackers can probe and exploit the vulnerability remotely. Additionally, if attackers combine this LFI with other vulnerabilities, they may achieve remote code execution, leading to complete system takeover. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the risk remains significant until patches are applied. The vulnerability could disrupt business operations, damage brand reputation, and result in financial losses.

To mitigate CVE-2026-22361, organizations should: 1) Monitor for and apply security patches or updates from axiomthemes as soon as they become available. 2) Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters influencing file inclusion, ensuring only expected and safe filenames are accepted. 3) Employ allowlisting for file paths used in include/require statements to prevent arbitrary file inclusion. 4) Configure PHP settings to disable remote file inclusion (allow_url_include=Off) and restrict file access permissions to minimize exposure. 5) Use web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 6) Conduct regular code reviews and security testing focusing on file inclusion logic. 7) Limit the web server's file system permissions to prevent access to sensitive files beyond what is necessary for application operation. 8) Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or errors related to file inclusion attempts. These steps collectively reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.