CVE-2026-22366 is a vulnerability classified as improper control of filename for include/require statements in the PHP-based product Jude by axiomthemes, affecting versions up to 1.3.0. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to perform Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI) attacks by manipulating the filename parameter used in PHP include or require functions. Such improper validation or sanitization of input parameters enables attackers to include arbitrary files from remote or local sources. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution on the server, full system compromise, data theft, or denial of service. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, but it has a high attack complexity, meaning certain conditions must be met for successful exploitation. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is published and should be treated as critical for affected environments. The flaw is particularly dangerous in web hosting environments running PHP with the Jude theme installed, as attackers can leverage this to execute malicious payloads, pivot within networks, or disrupt services.

The impact of CVE-2026-22366 is significant for organizations using the Jude PHP theme by axiomthemes, as it can lead to complete compromise of web servers. Attackers can execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive data, modify or delete files, and disrupt service availability. This can result in data breaches, defacement, ransomware deployment, or use of compromised servers as pivot points for further attacks. Given the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, the attack surface is broad. Organizations relying on PHP-based web applications with this theme are at risk of operational disruption and reputational damage. The high CVSS score indicates that confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all severely impacted. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for attackers to develop exploits, increasing urgency for mitigation.

1. Monitor axiomthemes official channels for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them immediately once available. 2. In the absence of patches, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters used in include/require statements to prevent arbitrary file inclusion. 3. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block Remote File Inclusion and Local File Inclusion attack patterns. 4. Restrict PHP configuration settings such as 'allow_url_include' to 'Off' to prevent inclusion of remote files. 5. Use PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit the directories accessible to PHP scripts, reducing risk of local file inclusion. 6. Conduct thorough code reviews and security testing on customizations or plugins related to the Jude theme to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. 7. Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vectors. 8. Consider isolating or sandboxing web applications to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 9. Educate development and operations teams about secure coding practices related to file inclusion.