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CriticalVulnerabilityCVE-2026-87902updated 25 Oct 2026, 13:32 UTC

WordPress Core: unauthenticated attacker can run code on the server

Someone on the internet without a login could trick WordPress into loading a PHP file it should not, which can let them take control of the website server. Attacks on this flaw are confirmed.

Exploited (CISA KEV)Official source
SeverityCriticalVulnerability
Being exploited?YesConfirmed by CISA KEV · 25 Sept 202
Fix available?UnclearNo fixed version published in the sources yet
How sure is this?Official sourceBacked by an official source

How the attack works simplified

  1. 1Unauthenticated attackerNo login needed to send requests
  2. 2Crafted page requestManipulates the page-template lookup
  3. 3WordPress includes fileLoads a chosen local .php file outside theme dirs
  4. 4Code executesIncluded file runs on the server
  5. ResultAttacker controls the web server

What happened

A remote file inclusion flaw in WordPress Core lets an unauthenticated attacker make page-template resolution include a chosen readable local .php file outside the active theme directories, leading to remote code execution.

Why it is dangerous: A successful attacker can run commands on the server hosting the site, which can expose or alter data and be used for further intrusion. Any internet-facing WordPress site is at risk.

Are you affected?

You are affected if your site runs WordPress Core and is reachable from the internet.

WordPress Core (exact versions not stated in the provided material)

What to do

  1. Check CISA guidance and the WordPress vendor instructions for mitigations and updated versions, then apply them immediately
  2. Confirm which of your WordPress sites are exposed to the internet and prioritize them
  3. If no mitigation is available, follow CISA BOD 26-04 guidance or take the product offline
  4. Review servers for signs of compromise using CISA's Forensics Triage Requirements

Timeline

  1. 25 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC
    Publicly disclosed
  2. 25 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC
    Reported by CISA KEV · CISA KEV

Sources 1 report, oldest first

Official vendor, government CERT or advisory database

Technical details

ID
CVE-2026-87902
EPSS
96% chance of exploitation within 30 days
Disclosed
25 Sept 2026, 00:00 UTC
On Zero Radar
before the radar started
Last change
25 Oct 2026, 13:32 UTC

The plain-language parts and the attack diagram were written by an AI model (anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5) from the sources above. Facts like versions, exploitation and dates come from the sources themselves. How Zero Radar works

WordPress Core: unauthenticated attacker can run code on the server · Zero Radar