CVE-2026-28088 is a vulnerability classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP programs, specifically affecting the ThemeREX Aqualots theme for WordPress. This vulnerability allows Remote File Inclusion (RFI) or Local File Inclusion (LFI) due to insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that controls the filename parameter in PHP include or require statements. An attacker can exploit this flaw by manipulating the input to include malicious remote files or local files on the server, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, unauthorized data access, or full site compromise. The affected versions include all versions up to and including 1.1.6. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of RFI vulnerabilities makes them highly dangerous because they can be exploited remotely without authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability was reserved on February 25, 2026, and published on March 5, 2026, but no CVSS score or patch links are currently available. The lack of patches means users must rely on manual mitigations or disable the vulnerable functionality until an official fix is released. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for websites using the Aqualots theme, which is a product of ThemeREX, a known theme vendor in the WordPress ecosystem.

The impact of CVE-2026-28088 is significant for organizations using the ThemeREX Aqualots theme on their WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary PHP code on the server. This can result in full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or pivoting to other internal systems. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web servers and their data are at risk. Since WordPress powers a large portion of websites globally, and themes like Aqualots are widely used, the attack surface is considerable. The vulnerability requires no authentication and can be triggered remotely, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. Organizations relying on this theme for business-critical websites or e-commerce platforms face potential financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues if exploited.

1. Immediately audit all WordPress installations to identify usage of the ThemeREX Aqualots theme, especially versions up to 1.1.6. 2. Disable or remove the vulnerable theme if an official patch is not yet available. 3. Apply strict input validation and sanitization on any parameters controlling file inclusion in the theme’s PHP code, ensuring only allowed files or paths can be included. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block attempts to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. 5. Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests attempting to include remote or unusual files. 6. Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated regularly and subscribe to vendor security advisories for timely patching. 7. Restrict PHP functions such as allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen in php.ini to prevent remote file inclusion if not required. 8. Implement least privilege permissions on web server files and directories to limit damage from successful exploitation. 9. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect and block exploitation attempts in real time.