CVE-2026-22378 is a Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability found in the AncoraThemes Blabber WordPress theme, specifically affecting versions up to and including 1.7.0. The vulnerability arises from improper validation and control over filenames used in PHP include or require statements. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter to include remote files, which can contain malicious PHP code. When the vulnerable PHP script executes the included file, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary code on the server. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it exploitable over the network remotely. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, though the attack complexity is rated high due to some required conditions. The vulnerability is categorized as a high-severity issue because successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data theft, defacement, or service disruption. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of this vulnerability in a popular WordPress theme increases the risk of future exploitation attempts. The lack of official patches or updates at the time of publication necessitates immediate defensive measures by administrators.

The exploitation of CVE-2026-22378 can have severe consequences for organizations worldwide. Attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code remotely, potentially leading to full server compromise, data breaches, website defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks. Confidential information stored or processed by the affected web server can be stolen or manipulated, undermining data integrity and privacy. The availability of the web service can be disrupted through malicious payloads or denial-of-service conditions triggered by the attacker. Organizations relying on the AncoraThemes Blabber theme for their WordPress sites face increased risk of reputational damage and operational downtime. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, it can be exploited by automated scanning tools and bots, increasing the likelihood of widespread attacks. The impact extends beyond individual websites to potentially affect customers and partners relying on the compromised services.

To mitigate CVE-2026-22378, organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately update the AncoraThemes Blabber theme to the latest patched version once available; if no patch exists, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the theme. 2) Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters used in include or require statements to prevent injection of arbitrary file paths. 3) Configure PHP settings to disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives to prevent remote file inclusion. 4) Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts targeting the vulnerable theme. 5) Restrict file system permissions to limit the web server’s ability to execute or include files outside designated directories. 6) Monitor web server logs and network traffic for unusual requests containing suspicious parameters or external URLs. 7) Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on WordPress themes and plugins to identify similar risks. 8) Educate site administrators about the risks of using outdated or untrusted themes and the importance of timely updates.