What is the CVSS score of CVE-2026-28117?

CVE-2026-28117 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.2%.

Which versions of PHP are affected by CVE-2026-28117?

The smartSEO WordPress theme version 2.9 and earlier contains a high-severity local file inclusion vulnerability (CVE-2026-28117) that could allow remote attackers to expose sensitive configuration…

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2026-28117?

Within 24 hours: Identify all WordPress installations using smartSEO theme ≤2.9 across your environment; disable or deactivate the theme on affected sites. Within 7 days: Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to block LFI attack patterns targeting the vulnerable theme; audit access logs for suspicious file inclusion attempts. Within 30 days: Contact the theme vendor for patch availability; evaluate alternative SEO plugins with active security support; if patch is released, upgrade smartSEO to the patched version immediately upon availability.

PHP CVE-2026-28117

HIGH

PHP Remote File Inclusion (CWE-98)

2026-03-05 audit@patchstack.com

PHP LFI Information Disclosure

8.1

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

8.1 HIGH

AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

High

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

Analysis Updated

Apr 23, 2026 - 00:12 vuln.today

v2 (cvss_changed)

Re-analysis Queued

Apr 22, 2026 - 21:37 vuln.today

cvss_changed

Analysis Generated

Mar 12, 2026 - 22:06 vuln.today

CVE Published

Mar 05, 2026 - 06:16 nvd

HIGH 8.1

DescriptionCVE.org

Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in axiomthemes smart SEO smartSEO allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects smart SEO: from n/a through <= 2.9.

AnalysisAI

Remote attackers can include arbitrary local files in the smartSEO WordPress theme (≤2.9) via a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data or enabling server-side code execution. Despite high CVSS (8.1), EPSS exploitation probability is low (0.15%, 36th percentile) with no confirmed active exploitation or CISA KEV listing. The vulnerability requires specific preconditions that increase attack complexity (AC:H), though exploitation succeeds without authentication or user interaction once conditions are met.