CVE-2026-28091 is a security vulnerability identified in the ThemeREX Coleo product, a PHP-based application, affecting versions up to 1.1.7. The vulnerability arises from improper control over the filename used in PHP include or require statements, which leads to a Local File Inclusion (LFI) flaw. LFI vulnerabilities occur when an attacker can manipulate input parameters to include unintended files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, source code, or credentials. In some cases, LFI can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. This vulnerability does not have a CVSS score yet, but it is classified as a PHP Remote File Inclusion type issue, although the description specifies Local File Inclusion, indicating the attacker can include files locally on the server. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input used in include/require statements, allowing attackers to traverse directories or specify arbitrary file paths. The vulnerability was published on March 5, 2026, with no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting. The lack of patches or official fixes increases the urgency for organizations to implement mitigations. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, increasing its risk profile. The affected product, Coleo, is used in web environments where PHP is common, making it a target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges.

The impact of CVE-2026-28091 can be severe for organizations running vulnerable versions of ThemeREX Coleo. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files, including configuration files containing database credentials or other secrets, which can facilitate further attacks. In some scenarios, attackers may achieve remote code execution by including malicious files or leveraging other vulnerabilities, resulting in full system compromise. This can lead to data breaches, defacement of websites, disruption of services, and loss of customer trust. Since the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, it increases the attack surface significantly. Organizations with public-facing web applications using Coleo are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the risk of exploitation will likely increase as attackers develop proof-of-concept code. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, potentially impacting business operations and compliance with data protection regulations.

To mitigate CVE-2026-28091, organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately upgrade ThemeREX Coleo to a version that addresses this vulnerability once an official patch is released. 2) In the interim, apply input validation and sanitization controls to restrict user input used in include/require statements, ensuring only expected and safe file paths are accepted. 3) Configure PHP settings to disable remote file inclusion by setting 'allow_url_include' to 'Off' and 'allow_url_fopen' to 'Off' if not required. 4) Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file inclusion attempts. 5) Restrict file system permissions to limit the web server's access to only necessary directories, preventing inclusion of sensitive files. 6) Monitor logs for unusual requests or errors related to file inclusion. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on file inclusion logic. 8) Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. These measures collectively reduce the risk of exploitation until a patch is available and applied.