Cyber Resilience

CVE-2026-22498

High

Published: 25 March 2026

Published
25 March 2026
Modified
24 April 2026
KEV Added
—
Patch
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CVSS Score v3.1 8.1 CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS Score 0.0050 39.1th percentile
Risk Priority 55 floored blend · peak EPSS

Summary

CVE-2026-22498 is a high-severity PHP Remote File Inclusion (CWE-98) vulnerability. Its CVSS base score is 8.1 (High).

Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190); ranked at the 39.1th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 SI-10 (Information Input Validation) and SI-2 (Flaw Remediation).

Deeper analysis

CVE-2026-22498 is an Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program vulnerability, classified as a PHP Remote File Inclusion issue that allows PHP Local File Inclusion (CWE-98). It affects the Laurent WordPress theme developed by Elated-Themes, impacting all versions from n/a through 3.1 inclusive. The vulnerability was published on 2026-03-25 and carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H), indicating high severity due to its potential for significant impact.

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network, requiring high attack complexity but no user interaction or privileges. Successful exploitation enables local file inclusion, which could allow attackers to read sensitive files, execute arbitrary code, or disrupt system availability, aligning with the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts outlined in the CVSS vector.

The Patchstack advisory provides further details on this vulnerability in WordPress Laurent theme version 3.1, including recommendations for mitigation, available at https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/laurent/vulnerability/wordpress-laurent-theme-3-1-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability-2?_s_id=cve.

OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)

A05:2025 Injection

EU & UK References

Vulnerability details

Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Elated-Themes Laurent laurent allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Laurent: from n/a through <= 3.1.

CWE(s)
CWE-98

Related Threats

MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI

T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application Initial Access
Adversaries may attempt to exploit a weakness in an Internet-facing host or system to initially access a network.
attack.mitre.org →
Why these techniques?

CVE-2026-22498 is a remote/local file inclusion vulnerability in a public-facing WordPress theme, enabling remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files, directly facilitating T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application.

Confidence: HIGH · MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise v19.0

CVEs Like This One

CVE-2025-58923Shared CWE-98
CVE-2025-69057Shared CWE-98
CVE-2024-54263Shared CWE-98
CVE-2026-28035Shared CWE-98
CVE-2026-28024Shared CWE-98
CVE-2025-67525Shared CWE-98
CVE-2025-22707Shared CWE-98
CVE-2025-69375Shared CWE-98
CVE-2026-22443Shared CWE-98
CVE-2025-53198Shared CWE-98

Affected Assets

Mitigating Controls

Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI

SI-2 Flaw Remediation good match
prevent

Timely flaw remediation through patching or updating the vulnerable Laurent WordPress theme directly eliminates the PHP LFI vulnerability.

SI-10 Information Input Validation good match
prevent

Information input validation on filenames used in PHP include/require statements prevents attackers from injecting malicious paths leading to LFI.

CM-6 Configuration Settings partial match
prevent

Secure PHP configuration settings, such as disabling allow_url_include and enforcing open_basedir restrictions, mitigate exploitation of file inclusion vulnerabilities.

References