CVE-2026-28011 is a vulnerability classified as an improper control of filename for include/require statements in the PHP program within the ThemeREX Yottis product. This vulnerability manifests as a Local File Inclusion (LFI) flaw, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the filename parameter used in PHP include or require functions. As a result, an attacker can manipulate the input to include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem. This can lead to information disclosure, such as reading sensitive configuration files, source code, or logs, and in some cases, it may facilitate remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. The affected versions are all up to and including 1.0.10, with no patch links currently provided. The vulnerability was reserved and published in early 2026, with no known exploits in the wild reported yet. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and not yet fully assessed. The root cause is insufficient input validation on the filename parameter used in include/require statements, a common PHP security issue. Exploitation typically requires sending crafted requests to the vulnerable application endpoint that controls the file inclusion logic. The impact depends on the server environment, file permissions, and application context. Since this is a local file inclusion, it does not allow direct remote file inclusion but can still be leveraged for significant attacks. The vulnerability is particularly relevant to organizations using the ThemeREX Yottis theme, which is a WordPress theme or plugin component, often deployed in content management systems and e-commerce sites.

The potential impact of CVE-2026-28011 is significant for organizations using the ThemeREX Yottis product. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, or application source code, compromising confidentiality. In some scenarios, attackers might chain this vulnerability with others to achieve remote code execution, threatening system integrity and availability. This can result in data breaches, defacement, or full server compromise. The vulnerability affects web servers running PHP with the vulnerable theme installed, which are common in many organizations worldwide, especially those relying on WordPress for their websites. The ease of exploitation is moderate to high since it requires knowledge of the vulnerable parameter but no advanced authentication or complex conditions. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details are public. Organizations with sensitive data or critical web infrastructure are at higher risk, and the potential for reputational damage and regulatory penalties exists if exploited. The scope includes all installations of ThemeREX Yottis up to version 1.0.10, which may be widespread in certain sectors such as small to medium enterprises, e-commerce, and content publishers.

To mitigate CVE-2026-28011, organizations should first check for updates or patches from ThemeREX and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of official patches, immediate steps include implementing strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters controlling file inclusion, ensuring only expected and whitelisted filenames or paths are accepted. Employ PHP configuration settings such as open_basedir to restrict file access to designated directories, limiting the scope of file inclusion. Disable allow_url_include in PHP configurations to prevent remote file inclusion attempts. Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and refactor unsafe include/require statements, replacing dynamic file inclusion with fixed or securely mapped paths. Monitor web server logs and application behavior for unusual file access patterns or errors indicative of exploitation attempts. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting LFI attack signatures to block malicious requests. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege on the web server and application files to minimize the impact of any successful exploitation. Regularly backup website data and configurations to enable recovery in case of compromise. Finally, educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices related to file inclusion in PHP applications.