CWE-98
AllowedImproper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion')
Abstraction: Variant · Status: Draft
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.
2482 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-6W88-4CFV-F8M7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-05 06:30 – Updated: 2026-03-05 21:30Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeREX Marcell marcell allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Marcell: from n/a through <= 1.2.14.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-28095"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-05T06:16:43Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in ThemeREX Marcell marcell allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Marcell: from n/a through \u003c= 1.2.14.",
"id": "GHSA-6w88-4cfv-f8m7",
"modified": "2026-03-05T21:30:44Z",
"published": "2026-03-05T06:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-28095"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/marcell/vulnerability/wordpress-marcell-theme-1-2-14-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6WQJ-PJVM-WM8M
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-22 15:31 – Updated: 2026-01-20 15:31Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in ThemeMove Billey billey allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Billey: from n/a through < 2.1.6.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-59558"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-22T15:15:55Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in ThemeMove Billey billey allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Billey: from n/a through \u003c 2.1.6.",
"id": "GHSA-6wqj-pjvm-wm8m",
"modified": "2026-01-20T15:31:29Z",
"published": "2025-10-22T15:31:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-59558"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/billey/vulnerability/wordpress-billey-theme-2-1-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vdp.patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/billey/vulnerability/wordpress-billey-theme-2-1-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vdp.patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/billey/vulnerability/wordpress-billey-theme-2-1-6-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6X3X-868Q-3VJM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-15 15:31 – Updated: 2026-06-15 15:31WordPress Plugin Photocart Link 1.6 contains a local file inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by exploiting insufficient input validation in decode.php. Attackers can supply base64-encoded file paths in the 'id' parameter to the decode.php endpoint to retrieve sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials and configuration data.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2016-20077"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-15T14:16:31Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "WordPress Plugin Photocart Link 1.6 contains a local file inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by exploiting insufficient input validation in decode.php. Attackers can supply base64-encoded file paths in the \u0027id\u0027 parameter to the decode.php endpoint to retrieve sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials and configuration data.",
"id": "GHSA-6x3x-868q-3vjm",
"modified": "2026-06-15T15:31:32Z",
"published": "2026-06-15T15:31:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20077"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://fr.wordpress.org/plugins/photocart-link"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39623"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wordpress-plugin-photocart-link-local-file-inclusion-via-decode-php"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-6X48-9P44-Q5H2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-03-30 06:30 – Updated: 2026-04-08 18:32The ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.6 via the render_raw function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-2047"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-03-30T05:15:35Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.6 via the render_raw function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other \u201csafe\u201d file types can be uploaded and included.",
"id": "GHSA-6x48-9p44-q5h2",
"modified": "2026-04-08T18:32:51Z",
"published": "2024-03-30T06:30:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-2047"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/elementskit-lite/tags/3.0.5/widgets/testimonial/testimonial.php#L2458"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3054091/elementskit-lite/tags/3.0.7/widgets/testimonial/testimonial.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/413e6326-14c6-4734-8adc-114a7842c574?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6XCF-FG99-V7C5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-18 15:33 – Updated: 2026-04-01 18:32Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Scripteo Ads Booster by Ads Pro allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Ads Booster by Ads Pro: from n/a through 1.12.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-52428"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-18T15:15:06Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in Scripteo Ads Booster by Ads Pro allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Ads Booster by Ads Pro: from n/a through 1.12.",
"id": "GHSA-6xcf-fg99-v7c5",
"modified": "2026-04-01T18:32:25Z",
"published": "2024-11-18T15:33:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-52428"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Plugin/free-wp-booster-by-ads-pro/vulnerability/wordpress-ads-booster-by-ads-pro-plugin-1-12-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/free-wp-booster-by-ads-pro/wordpress-ads-booster-by-ads-pro-plugin-1-12-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6XGP-4GPM-W96H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-06-09 18:32 – Updated: 2026-04-01 18:35Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in BZOTheme CraftXtore allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects CraftXtore: from n/a through 1.7.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-24770"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-06-09T16:15:35Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in BZOTheme CraftXtore allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects CraftXtore: from n/a through 1.7.",
"id": "GHSA-6xgp-4gpm-w96h",
"modified": "2026-04-01T18:35:23Z",
"published": "2025-06-09T18:32:12Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24770"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/bw-craftxtore/vulnerability/wordpress-craftxtore-1-7-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6XW6-M3MP-WCGG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-30 12:30 – Updated: 2026-01-20 15:32Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in thembay Puca puca allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Puca: from n/a through <= 2.6.39.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-68984"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-30T11:15:57Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in thembay Puca puca allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Puca: from n/a through \u003c= 2.6.39.",
"id": "GHSA-6xw6-m3mp-wcgg",
"modified": "2026-01-20T15:32:43Z",
"published": "2025-12-30T12:30:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-68984"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/puca/vulnerability/wordpress-puca-theme-2-6-39-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vdp.patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/puca/vulnerability/wordpress-puca-theme-2-6-39-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-727G-P7PC-8FRJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-17 18:35 – Updated: 2026-06-17 18:35Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion in Roneous <= 2.1.5 versions.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-69177"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-17T13:19:25Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion in Roneous \u003c= 2.1.5 versions.",
"id": "GHSA-727g-p7pc-8frj",
"modified": "2026-06-17T18:35:44Z",
"published": "2026-06-17T18:35:44Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-69177"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/roneous/vulnerability/wordpress-roneous-theme-2-1-5-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-72H9-2Q64-87RC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-18 09:30 – Updated: 2026-01-20 15:32Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in axiomthemes Plan My Day planmyday allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Plan My Day: from n/a through <= 1.1.13.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-53435"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-18T08:15:53Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in axiomthemes Plan My Day planmyday allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Plan My Day: from n/a through \u003c= 1.1.13.",
"id": "GHSA-72h9-2q64-87rc",
"modified": "2026-01-20T15:32:19Z",
"published": "2025-12-18T09:30:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-53435"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/planmyday/vulnerability/wordpress-plan-my-day-theme-1-1-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vdp.patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/planmyday/vulnerability/wordpress-plan-my-day-theme-1-1-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-72V9-R592-5F43
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-18 09:30 – Updated: 2026-01-20 15:32Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in axiomthemes Tacticool tacticool allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Tacticool: from n/a through <= 1.0.13.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-58937"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-98"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-18T08:16:01Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (\u0027PHP Remote File Inclusion\u0027) vulnerability in axiomthemes Tacticool tacticool allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Tacticool: from n/a through \u003c= 1.0.13.",
"id": "GHSA-72v9-r592-5f43",
"modified": "2026-01-20T15:32:24Z",
"published": "2025-12-18T09:30:27Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-58937"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/tacticool/vulnerability/wordpress-tacticool-theme-1-0-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vdp.patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/tacticool/vulnerability/wordpress-tacticool-theme-1-0-13-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation MIT-4
Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks
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].
Mitigation MIT-21.1
Strategy: Enforcement by Conversion
- 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.
Mitigation MIT-15
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.
Mitigation MIT-22
Strategy: Sandbox or Jail
- 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.
Mitigation MIT-17
Strategy: Environment Hardening
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.
Mitigation MIT-5.1
Strategy: Input Validation
- 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.
Mitigation MIT-34
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
- 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.
Mitigation MIT-6
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
- 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.
Mitigation MIT-29
Strategy: Firewall
Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth [REF-1481].
Mitigation
Strategy: Environment Hardening
Develop and run your code in the most recent versions of PHP available, preferably PHP 6 or later. Many of the highly risky features in earlier PHP interpreters have been removed, restricted, or disabled by default.
Mitigation MIT-16
Strategy: Environment Hardening
- When using PHP, configure the application so that it does not use register_globals. During implementation, develop the application so that it does not rely on this feature, but be wary of implementing a register_globals emulation that is subject to weaknesses such as CWE-95, CWE-621, and similar issues.
- Often, programmers do not protect direct access to files intended only to be included by core programs. These include files may assume that critical variables have already been initialized by the calling program. As a result, the use of register_globals combined with the ability to directly access the include file may allow attackers to conduct file inclusion attacks. This remains an extremely common pattern as of 2009.
Mitigation
Strategy: Environment Hardening
Set allow_url_fopen to false, which limits the ability to include files from remote locations.
CAPEC-193: PHP Remote File Inclusion
In this pattern the adversary is able to load and execute arbitrary code remotely available from the application. This is usually accomplished through an insecurely configured PHP runtime environment and an improperly sanitized "include" or "require" call, which the user can then control to point to any web-accessible file. This allows adversaries to hijack the targeted application and force it to execute their own instructions.