CVE-2023-37888Network attack vector

Unauthenticated code execution via local file inclusion

Published May 17, 2024 · Updated Apr 28, 2026

Path traversal in Averta Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme 2.14.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to include local PHP files. The public CNA record and linked advisory do not identify the vulnerable function or parameter, disclosing only that attacker-controlled path input reaches a PHP file inclusion operation. Exploitation requires a local PHP file that can be selected for inclusion; successful inclusion reads that file and executes any PHP code it contains.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability0.68%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Path traversal in Averta Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme 2.14.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to include local PHP files. The public CNA record and linked advisory do not identify the vulnerable function or parameter, disclosing only that attacker-controlled path input reaches a PHP file inclusion operation. Exploitation requires a local PHP file that can be selected for inclusion; successful inclusion reads that file and executes any PHP code it contains.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-37888
Published
May 17, 2024
Updated
Apr 28, 2026
Vendor
Averta
Product
Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme
Classifications
CWE-22, CAPEC-252, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. May 17, 2024CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Apr 28, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=0 <=2.14.0
  2. Affected versionversion=n/a <=2.14.0 changes=[{"at":"2.15.0","status":"unaffected"}]

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Averta · Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox themeversion=0 <=2.14.0; version=n/a <=2.14.0 changes=[{"at":"2.15.0","status":"unaffected"}]

Published CVSS scores

7.6PatchstackCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L
9.8NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
CAPEC-252PHP Local File Inclusion
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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