CVE-2026-28009
Published: 05 March 2026
Summary
CVE-2026-28009 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 32.0th 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-2026-28009 is an Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program vulnerability, classified under CWE-98 and described as enabling PHP Local File Inclusion, in the ThemeREX DroneX WordPress theme. This issue affects all versions of DroneX from n/a through 1.1.12. The vulnerability 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 across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Remote, unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability over the network with high attack complexity and no user interaction required. Exploitation allows inclusion of local PHP files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, sensitive data disclosure, or system compromise, aligning with the high impact ratings in the CVSS vector.
The Patchstack advisory at https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/dronex/vulnerability/wordpress-dronex-theme-1-1-12-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve provides details on this Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the DroneX WordPress theme version 1.1.12.
OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2026-9671
Vulnerability details
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX DroneX dronex allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects DroneX: from n/a through <= 1.1.12.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
The vulnerability is a PHP Remote/Local File Inclusion in a public-facing WordPress theme, directly enabling exploitation of a public-facing application.
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Requires timely remediation of known flaws like the LFI vulnerability in DroneX theme versions <=1.1.12 to prevent exploitation via improper filename control in PHP include/require.
Mandates validation of user-supplied inputs used as filenames in PHP include/require statements to block local file inclusion attacks.
Enforces secure configuration settings in PHP environments, such as open_basedir restrictions, to limit arbitrary local file access exploitable by this LFI vulnerability.