CVE-2026-78159
CriticalExploitedThe The Events Calendar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, 6.17.3 via the parse_array function.
Published Sep 12, 2026 · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Also known as EUVD-2026-76833, GHSA-9c57-9fxg-8x9j, cc2ccfeb-6df6-4fee-96a5-94f8dd131f7c
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-78159 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting The Events Calendar (wordpress-plugin).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Sep 14, 2026. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 1.4% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including The Events Calendar 6.17.3.1.
- 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)
1.4%
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
None known
Get the full CVE-2026-78159 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The The Events Calendar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, 6.17.3 via the parse_array function. This is due to insufficient validation of the widget 'classes' map, allowing a plain-array payload to bypass the is_safe_widget_instance() object check and reach the callable-invocation sink in Element_Classes::parse_array(). This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute code on the server. Exploitation requires that the targeted site has comments enabled on tribe_events posts and that at least one comment containing a crafted wp:legacy-widget block has been submitted, as the attack chain is triggered when do_blocks() processes the single-event HTML including the comment area.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 14, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| The Events Calendarwordpress-plugin | See advisory | 6.17.3.1 |
Patched Releases
The Events Calendar
6.17.3.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 12, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 14, 2026
Last updated
Sep 16, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
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/cc2ccfeb-6df6-4fee-96a5-94f8dd131f7c?source=api-prod
FAQ
Common Questions.
The The Events Calendar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, 6.17.3 via the parse_array function.
Affected: The Events Calendar (wordpress-plugin). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Sep 14, 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 The Events Calendar 6.17.3.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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