CVE-2026-18431
Description
The Avada theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write in all versions up to, and including, 7.16 when the Fusion Builder plugin is installed and active in versions up to, and including, 3.16. This is due to a chain of authorization and input validation weaknesses across the two components that makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to write attacker-controlled files to the server. This can be used to create and execute arbitrary PHP files, resulting in remote code execution and complete site compromise. Successful exploitation requires both Avada and Fusion Builder to be installed and active, as well as certain administrator-authored content to be present.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Affected products
3<=3.16+ 1 more
- (no CPE)range: <=3.16
- (no CPE)range: <=3.16
Patches
Vulnerability mechanics
References
2News mentions
5- Wordfence Intelligence Weekly WordPress Vulnerability Report (August 24, 2026 to August 30, 2026)Wordfence Blog · Sep 3, 2026
- ⚡ Weekly Recap: Chinese Spy Proxy, AI Agents Go Off-Task, Router Backdoors and MoreThe Hacker News · Aug 31, 2026
- Five Critical WordPress Plugin and Theme Flaws Enable Site Takeover or RCEThe Hacker News · Aug 29, 2026
- WordPress: 25 Plugins and Themes Hit by Vulnerabilities, Including Critical RCE and File Upload FlawsVypr Intelligence · Aug 26, 2026
- Wordfence Argus Finds Complex 6 Step Critical RCE in Avada Theme with 1 Million SalesWordfence Blog · Aug 25, 2026