CVE-2026-22372 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in the PHP program within the AncoraThemes Isida WordPress theme. This vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) by manipulating the filename parameter used in include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. The affected versions include all releases up to 1.4.2. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to include arbitrary files from the local filesystem, potentially leading to information disclosure, code execution, or denial of service. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.1, reflecting high severity with network attack vector, high attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the flaw's nature makes it a critical risk for websites using the Isida theme, as attackers can leverage it to compromise web servers, steal sensitive data, or disrupt services. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of input controlling the filename in PHP include/require functions, a common issue in PHP applications that can lead to serious security breaches if exploited.

The impact of CVE-2026-22372 is significant for organizations using the AncoraThemes Isida WordPress theme. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, including configuration files, credentials, or source code, resulting in confidentiality breaches. Attackers may also execute arbitrary code or commands on the server, compromising system integrity and potentially gaining persistent access. Furthermore, attackers can disrupt website availability by causing application crashes or denial of service. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data loss, and incur financial costs due to remediation and downtime. Since WordPress powers a large portion of the web, and themes like Isida are widely used, the vulnerability poses a global risk. Organizations with public-facing websites using this theme are particularly vulnerable to remote exploitation without authentication, increasing the threat landscape.

To mitigate CVE-2026-22372, organizations should immediately update the AncoraThemes Isida theme to a version that patches this vulnerability once available. If an update is not yet released, apply temporary mitigations such as disabling vulnerable functionality or restricting access to affected PHP files via web server configuration. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on parameters controlling file inclusion paths to prevent malicious input. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block Local File Inclusion attempts. Regularly audit and monitor web server logs for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential file inclusions and isolate web application components. Conduct security testing and code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. Finally, maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any exploitation attempts.