CVE-2026-22365 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the axiomthemes Soleng WordPress theme, affecting versions up to 1.0.5. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename used in PHP include or require statements, allowing an attacker to manipulate the input that determines which file is included. This can lead to the inclusion of arbitrary local files on the server, which may contain sensitive information such as configuration files, password files, or application source code. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code if the attacker can upload malicious files or exploit other weaknesses. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score and no public exploits have been reported. The issue was reserved in early January 2026 and published in February 2026. The lack of patches means that affected users must implement mitigations manually until an official fix is released. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because PHP include/require statements are commonly used in web applications to modularize code, and improper validation of input controlling these statements can lead to serious security breaches. The Soleng theme is a commercial or freely available WordPress theme, and its usage footprint determines the scope of impact. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, disrupt website functionality, or use the compromised server as a foothold for further attacks.

The impact of CVE-2026-22365 is significant for organizations using the Soleng WordPress theme. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, including configuration files containing database credentials or API keys, which compromises confidentiality. Attackers may also execute arbitrary code if combined with other vulnerabilities, threatening system integrity and availability. This can result in website defacement, data theft, or use of the server for malicious activities such as launching attacks on other systems. The vulnerability can undermine trust in affected organizations, cause downtime, and lead to regulatory or compliance issues if sensitive customer data is exposed. Since WordPress powers a large portion of the web, and themes like Soleng are used globally, the potential attack surface is broad. Organizations with public-facing websites that rely on this theme are particularly vulnerable, especially if they do not have strong input validation or web application firewalls in place. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently limits immediate risk, but the publication of this vulnerability may prompt attackers to develop exploits rapidly.

To mitigate CVE-2026-22365, organizations should first verify if they are using the Soleng theme version 1.0.5 or earlier and plan for an immediate upgrade once a patched version is released by axiomthemes. Until then, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters that influence file inclusion paths to ensure only allowed files can be included. Employ whitelisting techniques to restrict included files to a predefined set of safe files or directories. Disable PHP functions that allow dynamic file inclusion if not necessary, such as include(), require(), include_once(), and require_once(), or restrict their usage contextually. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit LFI vulnerabilities. Monitor web server logs for unusual file inclusion attempts or error messages indicating failed inclusions. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on file inclusion vulnerabilities. Additionally, isolate web application environments and apply the principle of least privilege to limit the damage potential if exploitation occurs. Finally, maintain timely backups and incident response plans to recover quickly from any compromise.