CVE-2026-9282
HighExploitedW3 Total Cache <= 2.9.4 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Read via 'f_array[]' Parameter
Published Jul 10, 2026 · Updated Jul 14, 2026 · Also known as EUVD-2026-43164, GHSA-cx46-vqrj-hfqm, e92cc06d-006f-4bba-a4ef-b23d80c00085
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-9282 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting W3 Total Cache (wordpress-plugin).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 14, 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 W3 Total Cache 2.10.0.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
2.9%
Higher than 86.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
None known
Get the full CVE-2026-9282 brief as a PDF
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Description
The W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.4 via the setupSources function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires enabling manual minify mode and supplying a manual-format minify filename so that the hash is empty and the f_array[] entries are not overwritten before reaching setupSources().
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jul 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 |
|---|---|---|
| W3 Total Cachewordpress-plugin | See advisory | 2.10.0 |
Patched Releases
W3 Total Cache
2.10.0
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 10, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jul 14, 2026
Last updated
Jul 14, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/e92cc06d-006f-4bba-a4ef-b23d80c00085?source=api-prod
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/e92cc06d-006f-4bba-a4ef-b23d80c00085?source=api-scan
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- otherhttps://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/w3-total-cache/tags/2.9.4/lib/Minify/Minify/Controller/MinApp.php#L109
- otherhttps://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/w3-total-cache/tags/2.9.4/lib/Minify/Minify/Controller/MinApp.php#L163
FAQ
Common Questions.
The W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.4 via the setupSources function.
Affected: W3 Total Cache (wordpress-plugin). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jul 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 W3 Total Cache 2.10.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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