Weakness (CWE)
CWE-98: PHP Remote File Inclusion"
The PHP application receives input from an upstream component, but it does not restrict or incorrectly restricts the input before its usage in "require," "include," or similar functions.
How to prevent it (8 mitigations)
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Architecture and Design
Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid [REF-1482].
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Architecture and Design
When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
For example, ID 1 could map to "inbox.txt" and ID 2 could map to "profile.txt". Features such as the ESAPI AccessReferenceMap [REF-185] provide this capability.
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Architecture and Design
For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
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Architecture and Design, Operation
Run the code in a "jail" or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which files can be accessed in a particular directory or which commands can be executed by the software.
OS-level examples include the Unix chroot jail, AppArmor, and SELinux. In general, managed code may provide some protection. For example, java.io.FilePermission in the Java SecurityManager allows the software to specify restrictions on file operations.
This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of the application may still be subject to compromise.
Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
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Architecture and Design, Operation
Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks [REF-76]. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.
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Implementation
Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
When validating filenames, use stringent lists that limit the character set to be used. If feasible, only allow a single "." character in the filename to avoid weaknesses such as CWE-23, and exclude directory separators such as "/" to avoid CWE-36. Use a list of allowable file extensions, which will help to avoid CWE-434.
Do not rely exclusively on a filtering mechanism that removes potentially dangerous characters. This is equivalent to a denylist, which may be incomplete (CWE-184). For example, filtering "/" is insufficient protection if the filesystem also supports the use of "\" as a directory separator. Another possible error could occur when the filtering is applied in a way that still produces dangerous data (CWE-182). For example, if "../" sequences are removed from the ".../...//" string in a sequential fashion, two instances of "../" would be removed from the original string, but the remaining characters would still form the "../" string.
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Architecture and Design, Operation
Store library, include, and utility files outside of the web document root, if possible. Otherwise, store them in a separate directory and use the web server's access control capabilities to prevent attackers from directly requesting them. One common practice is to define a fixed constant in each calling program, then check for the existence of the constant in the library/include file; if the constant does not exist, then the file was directly requested, and it can exit immediately.
This significantly reduces the chance of an attacker being able to bypass any protection mechanisms that are in the base program but not in the include files. It will also reduce the attack surface.
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Architecture and Design, Implementation
Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter your software: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.
Many file inclusion problems occur because the programmer assumed that certain inputs could not be modified, especially for cookies and URL components.
Source: MITRE CWE-98
1,361 results · Feed
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High 8.1
WordPress Powerlift theme < 3.2.1 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Powerlift powerlift allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Powerlift: from n/a through < 3.2.1.
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High 8.1
WordPress The Aisle theme < 2.9.1 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Elated-Themes The Aisle theaisle allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects The Aisle: from n/a through < 2.9.1.
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High 8.1
WordPress Biagiotti theme < 3.5.2 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Biagiotti biagiotti allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Biagiotti: from n/a through < 3.5.2.
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High 8.1
WordPress Mella theme <= 1.2.29 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in BZOTheme Mella mella allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Mella: from n/a through <= 1.2.29.
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High 8.1
WordPress Myour theme <= 1.5.1 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in bslthemes Myour myour allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Myour: from n/a through <= 1.5.1.
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High 7.5
WordPress WerkStatt plugin plugin <= 1.6.6 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in fuelthemes WerkStatt Plugin werkstatt-plugin allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects WerkStatt Plugin: from n/a through <= 1.6.…
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High 8.1
WordPress Depot theme <= 1.16 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Depot depot allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Depot: from n/a through <= 1.16.
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High 8.1
WordPress Amuli theme <= 2.3.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in axiomthemes Amuli amuli allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Amuli: from n/a through <= 2.3.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress Athens theme <= 1.1.6 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ovatheme Athens athens allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Athens: from n/a through <= 1.1.6.
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High 8.1
WordPress Anarkali theme <= 1.0.9 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Ninetheme Anarkali anarkali allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Anarkali: from n/a through <= 1.0.9.
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Critical 9.8CVE-2025-14502 Public exploit
News and Blog Designer Bundle <= 1.1 - Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion
The News and Blog Designer Bundle plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 1.1 via the template parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary .php files…
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Medium 5.5
mPDF 7.0 - Local File Inclusion
mPDF 7.0 contains a local file inclusion vulnerability that allows attackers to read arbitrary system files by manipulating annotation file parameters. Attackers can generate URL-encoded or base64 payloads to include local files through crafted annotation con…
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High 7.5
WordPress Handmade Framework plugin <= 3.9 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in G5Theme Handmade Framework handmade-framework allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Handmade Framework: from n/a through <= 3…
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High 8.1
WordPress Hendon theme < 1.7 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Hendon hendon allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Hendon: from n/a through < 1.7.
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High 8.1
WordPress Curly theme < 3.3 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Curly curly allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Curly: from n/a through < 3.3.
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High 8.1
WordPress Wellspring theme < 2.8 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Wellspring wellspring allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Wellspring: from n/a through < 2.8.
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High 8.1
WordPress Optimize theme < 2.4 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Optimize optimizewp allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Optimize: from n/a through < 2.4.
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High 7.5
WordPress Corpkit theme <= 2.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in zozothemes Corpkit corpkit allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Corpkit: from n/a through <= 2.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress Neo Ocular theme < 1.2 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Elated-Themes Neo Ocular neoocular allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Neo Ocular: from n/a through < 1.2.
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High 8.1
WordPress Typify theme <= 3.0.2 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in QantumThemes Typify typify allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Typify: from n/a through <= 3.0.2.
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High 8.1
WordPress Moody theme <= 2.7.3 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeMove Moody tm-moody allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Moody: from n/a through <= 2.7.3.
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High 8.1
WordPress Mitech theme <= 2.3.4 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeMove Mitech mitech allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Mitech: from n/a through <= 2.3.4.
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High 8.1
WordPress Atlas theme <= 2.1.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in TMRW-studio Atlas atlas allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Atlas: from n/a through <= 2.1.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress Navian theme <= 1.5.4 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in THEMELOGI Navian navian allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Navian: from n/a through <= 1.5.4.
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High 8.1
WordPress Brook - Agency Business Creative theme <= 2.9.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeMove Brook brook allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Brook: from n/a through <= 2.9.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress AeroLand theme <= 1.6.6 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeMove AeroLand aeroland allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects AeroLand: from n/a through <= 1.6.6.
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High 8.1
WordPress Oshine theme < 7.3.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in brandexponents Oshine allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Oshine: from n/a before 7.3.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress Rozy - Flower Shop theme <= 1.2.25 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in magentech Rozy - Flower Shop rozy allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Rozy - Flower Shop: from n/a through <= 1.2.25.
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High 8.1
WordPress OchaHouse theme <= 2.2.8 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in jwsthemes OchaHouse ochahouse allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects OchaHouse: from n/a through <= 2.2.8.
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High 8.1CVE-2025-69080 Public exploit
WordPress Gecko theme <= 1.9.8 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in JanStudio Gecko gecko allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Gecko: from n/a through <= 1.9.8.
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High 8.1
WordPress Hope theme <= 3.0.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX Hope charity-is-hope allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Hope: from n/a through <= 3.0.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress WPCHURCH plugin <= 2.7.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mojoomla WPCHURCH allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects WPCHURCH: from n/a through 2.7.0.
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High 8.1
WordPress Frappé theme <= 1.8 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Elated-Themes Frappé frappe allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Frappé: from n/a through <= 1.8.
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High 7.5
WordPress TheGem Theme Elements (for Elementor) plugin <= 5.11.0 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in CodexThemes TheGem Theme Elements (for Elementor) thegem-elements-elementor allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects TheGem Them…
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High 7.5
WordPress Calafate theme <= 1.7.7 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in VanKarWai Calafate calafate allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Calafate: from n/a through <= 1.7.7.
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High 8.1
WordPress Issabella theme <= 1.1.2 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in jwsthemes Issabella issabella allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Issabella: from n/a through <= 1.1.2.
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High 8.1
WordPress FreeAgent theme <= 2.1.2 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in jwsthemes FreeAgent freeagent allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects FreeAgent: from n/a through <= 2.1.2.
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High 7.5
WordPress MAS Videos plugin <= 1.3.4 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in MadrasThemes MAS Videos masvideos allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects MAS Videos: from n/a through <= 1.3.4.
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High 8.1
WordPress Lekker theme <= 1.8 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Mikado-Themes Lekker lekker allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Lekker: from n/a through <= 1.8.
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High 7.5
WordPress Responsive Posts Carousel Pro plugin <= 15.1 - Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in WebCodingPlace Responsive Posts Carousel Pro responsive-posts-carousel-pro allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Responsive P…