CVE-2026-12227
CriticalExploitedVisual Composer Website Builder <= 45.16.0 - Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion via 'vcv-template' Parameter
Published Sep 23, 2026 · Updated Sep 24, 2026 · Also known as 486c1c7c-5a66-42d3-85b0-13ce52a16ed1, EUVD-2026-85839, GHSA-3q44-ppmv-jh7f
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-12227 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting visualcomposer (wordpress-plugin), Visual Composer Website Builder.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Oct 8, 2026. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 2.9% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including visualcomposer 45.16.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
2.9%
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
None known
Get the full CVE-2026-12227 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The Visual Composer Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 45.16.0 via the vcv-template parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers 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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 8, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| visualcomposerwordpress-plugin | See advisory | 45.16.1 |
| Visual Composer Website Builder | See advisory | n/a |
Patched Releases
visualcomposer
45.16.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 23, 2026
Last updated
Sep 24, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-98 Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion')
References
- advisoryhttps://patchstack.com/database
- advisoryhttps://wpscan.com/plugins/
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/486c1c7c-5a66-42d3-85b0-13ce52a16ed1?source=api-prod
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Visual Composer Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 45.16.0 via the vcv-template parameter.
Affected: visualcomposer (wordpress-plugin); Visual Composer Website Builder. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Oct 8, 2026.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
Fixed versions are available, including visualcomposer 45.16.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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