CVE-2026-22381 identifies a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Mikado-Themes PawFriends - Pet Shop and Veterinary WordPress Theme, versions up to 1.3. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements, which allows an attacker to manipulate the input to include arbitrary local files on the web server. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files such as configuration files, source code, or credentials stored on the server. Additionally, if the attacker can include files containing executable PHP code, it may lead to remote code execution or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is rooted in insecure coding practices where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being passed to PHP's include/require functions. Although no public exploits have been reported, the flaw is critical because LFI vulnerabilities are commonly leveraged in web application attacks. The affected product is a niche WordPress theme used primarily by pet shops and veterinary services, which may limit the attack surface but still poses a significant risk to affected sites. No official patches or updates are linked yet, and no CVSS score has been assigned, indicating the need for immediate attention from site administrators and developers.

The impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using the PawFriends WordPress theme. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive server files, including configuration files containing database credentials, API keys, or other secrets. This can compromise the confidentiality of data and potentially lead to further attacks such as privilege escalation or remote code execution if malicious PHP files can be included. The integrity of the website and its data may be compromised, and availability could be affected if attackers disrupt normal operations. For businesses relying on this theme, especially those handling customer or patient data in veterinary contexts, this could result in data breaches, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements for exploitation increases the risk, making automated attacks feasible. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a high-risk issue that could be targeted by attackers scanning for vulnerable WordPress themes.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for any official patches or updates from Mikado-Themes and apply them immediately once available. In the absence of a patch, site administrators should consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable theme to prevent exploitation. Reviewing and hardening PHP include/require statements by implementing strict input validation and sanitization is critical; only allow predefined, whitelisted filenames or paths. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts can provide an additional layer of defense. Regularly audit and monitor web server logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to include local files. Restrict file permissions on the server to limit access to sensitive files and directories, minimizing the potential damage from an LFI attack. Additionally, consider isolating the WordPress environment using containerization or sandboxing to reduce the impact of a compromise. Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom themes or plugins.