CVE-2026-87902
Received Received - Intake

Path Traversal in WordPress Core Leading to Remote Code Execution

Publication date: 2026-09-22

Last updated on: 2026-09-22

Assigner: HackerOne

Description
An unauthenticated attacker can make `get_page_template()` page-template resolution include a chosen readable local `.php` file outside the active theme directories. If relevant pre-conditions for both the server and the active theme are met, this can lead to RCE.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-22
Last Modified
2026-09-22
Generated
2026-09-22
AI Q&A
2026-09-22
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-87902
EUVD
EUVD-2026-84555

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 3 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
wordpress wordpress From 4.7 (inc) to 7.1.1 (inc)
wordpress wordpress 7.1.1
wordpress wordpress 7.1.2

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-98 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.

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Executive Summary

This is a critical unauthenticated path traversal vulnerability in WordPress affecting versions 4.7 to 7.1.1. It allows attackers to include arbitrary local PHP files outside theme directories via the get_page_template() function, potentially leading to remote code execution if specific conditions are met.

Detection Guidance

Check WordPress version and theme directories for files starting with 'page-'. Inspect server configurations for 'register_argc_argv' enabled in PHP. Look for unusual PHP file inclusions in logs or network traffic.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to execute malicious PHP code on your server, leading to full system compromise. This could result in data theft, website defacement, or further network infiltration depending on server permissions.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, violating GDPR and HIPAA requirements for data protection and confidentiality. Organizations may face compliance violations, legal penalties, and reputational damage if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Update WordPress to version 7.1.2 or apply backported fixes for older branches. Remove or rename themes starting with 'page-'. Disable 'register_argc_argv' in PHP configuration. Restrict file permissions to prevent unauthorized PHP file access.

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