CVE-2026-57789 jwsthemes CVE debrief

Who should care

Users of the Aqua theme, especially those using version 5.1.2 or earlier, should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to mitigate the risk. This includes updating the Aqua theme to a version that is not vulnerable, reviewing and monitoring the system for any suspicious activity, and considering implementing additional security measures to prevent local file inclusion attacks.

Technical summary

The Aqua theme, version 5.1.2 and earlier, is vulnerable to PHP Local File Inclusion due to improper control of filename for include/require statement in PHP program. This issue is identified as CVE-2026-57789 and has a CVSS score of 7.5. The vulnerability allows attackers to include local files, potentially leading to code execution. The affected product is Aqua theme, and the vulnerability affects versions from n/a through <= 5.1.2.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to updating the Aqua theme to a version that is not vulnerable. Additionally, review and monitor the system for any suspicious activity, and consider implementing additional security measures to prevent local file inclusion attacks. Conduct a thorough review of the system to identify potential entry points for attackers and implement compensating controls as needed. Ensure that security teams and operators are aware of the vulnerability and its potential impact on the system. Perform asset inventory and source tracking to ensure that all affected systems are accounted for and being monitored. Consider implementing monitoring and detection measures to identify potential attacks. Rollback change windows and implement source tracking to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up. Review the supplied official advisory or CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance. Plan vendor-supported updates or mitigations through normal change control where exposure is confirmed. Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review. Perform exposure review and compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Implement asset inventory and rollback/change windows to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Ensure that all security teams and operators are aware of the vulnerability and its potential impact on the system. Perform source tracking to ensure that all affected systems are accounted for and being monitored. Consider implementing additional security measures to prevent local file inclusion attacks. Review and monitor the system for any suspicious activity. Update the Aqua theme to a version that is not vulnerable. Consider implementing compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified. Perform monitoring and detection measures to identify potential attacks. Implement security measures to prevent local file inclusion attacks. Ensure that security teams and operators are aware of the potential 5

Recommended defensive actions

• Update the Aqua theme to a version that is not vulnerable.
• Review and monitor the system for any suspicious activity.
• Consider implementing additional security measures to prevent local file inclusion attacks.

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-13T10:16:42.903Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently 7.5 HIGH. The Aqua theme, version 5.1.2 and earlier, is vulnerable to PHP Local File Inclusion due to improper control of filename for include/require statement in PHP program. This issue affects Aqua: from n/a through <= 5.1.2. Users of the Aqua theme, especially those using version 5.1.2 or earlier, should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to mitigate the risk.

Official resources