CVE-2026-28022 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability found in the ThemeREX Foodie WordPress theme, affecting all versions up to and including 1.14. The vulnerability stems from improper control over the filename parameter used in PHP include or require statements. Specifically, the theme fails to adequately validate or sanitize user input that determines which files are included by PHP, allowing an attacker to manipulate this input to include arbitrary local files on the web server. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive files such as configuration files, password files, or source code, which may contain credentials or other sensitive data. In some configurations, LFI can be leveraged to achieve remote code execution by including files that contain attacker-controlled data or logs. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the presence of this flaw in a widely used WordPress theme poses a significant risk. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and not yet fully assessed, but the technical characteristics suggest a high severity. The vulnerability affects websites running the Foodie theme, which is used globally, particularly in regions with high WordPress adoption. The issue was reserved and published in early 2026, with no patches or official fixes currently available, increasing the urgency for mitigation.

The impact of CVE-2026-28022 can be severe for organizations using the ThemeREX Foodie theme. Successful exploitation allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the web server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as database credentials, API keys, or user data. This can lead to further compromise of the web application or backend systems. In some cases, LFI vulnerabilities can be chained with other exploits to achieve remote code execution, allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability affects confidentiality and integrity primarily, with possible availability impact if attackers disrupt normal operations. Since the vulnerability does not require authentication and can be exploited remotely, the attack surface is broad. Organizations running Foodie-themed websites, especially those handling sensitive or personal data, face increased risk of data breaches, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. The lack of known exploits currently provides a small window for remediation before active attacks emerge.

To mitigate CVE-2026-28022, organizations should immediately check if their WordPress sites use the ThemeREX Foodie theme version 1.14 or earlier and plan to update to a patched version once available. Until a patch is released, administrators can implement the following specific measures: 1) Disable or restrict access to vulnerable PHP files or endpoints that handle file inclusion parameters via web server configuration or application-level controls. 2) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to manipulate include parameters. 3) Harden PHP configuration by disabling functions like include(), require(), or limiting file access with open_basedir restrictions to prevent inclusion of unauthorized files. 4) Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on any user-supplied data used in file operations, ideally by whitelisting allowed filenames or paths. 5) Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit file inclusion. 6) Isolate the web server environment to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 7) Educate development teams on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice and help reduce the risk until an official patch is deployed.