CVE-2026-24608 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the Elated-Themes Laurent Core WordPress plugin up to version 2.4.1. This vulnerability allows an attacker to perform Remote File Inclusion (RFI) by manipulating the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. When exploited, it enables the attacker to include and execute arbitrary PHP code hosted remotely or locally, leading to remote code execution on the server. This can result in full compromise of the web server, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation or sanitization of user-controlled input that determines the file path to be included. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no official patches or known exploits have been reported at the time of publication. However, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities typically allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the flaw remotely, making it highly dangerous. The Laurent Core plugin is used in WordPress themes developed by Elated-Themes, which are popular among European small and medium enterprises for website design. The vulnerability's exploitation could severely impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected websites and their underlying infrastructure.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-24608 can be severe. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of the web server hosting the vulnerable WordPress site. This can result in data breaches involving customer information, intellectual property theft, website defacement, and disruption of business operations. Organizations relying on the Laurent Core theme for their public-facing websites, especially in sectors like e-commerce, media, and professional services, face reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Additionally, compromised servers can be used as launchpads for further attacks within corporate networks or for distributing malware. The lack of an available patch increases the window of exposure, and the ease of exploitation without authentication raises the urgency for mitigation. European entities with limited cybersecurity resources may find recovery costly and time-consuming.

1. Immediately audit all WordPress installations for the presence of the Laurent Core plugin and identify versions up to 2.4.1. 2. Disable or remove the vulnerable plugin until a secure patch is released by Elated-Themes. 3. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts, such as requests containing unexpected URL parameters or remote file paths. 4. Restrict PHP include paths using configuration directives (e.g., open_basedir) to limit file inclusion to trusted directories only. 5. Conduct code reviews to ensure proper input validation and sanitization of any user-controlled parameters related to file inclusion. 6. Monitor web server and application logs for anomalous activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Prepare incident response plans to isolate and remediate compromised systems promptly. 8. Once available, apply official patches from Elated-Themes without delay. 9. Educate development and IT teams about secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. 10. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools to detect and block exploitation in real time.