CVE-2026-13251 Perfmatters <= 2.6.4 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Read via 's' Parameter
Unauthenticated attackers can read arbitrary server files via directory traversal in the Perfmatters WordPress plugin when specific features are enabled.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-13251?
CVE-2026-13251 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in Perfmatters, published on 2 Jul 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The Perfmatters plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.4 via the 's' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires the Local Google Fonts feature to be enabled (disabled by default), pretty permalinks to be active, and RSS feed links to remain enabled in the plugin settings.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-13251?
How do I fix CVE-2026-13251?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-13251 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2026-13251 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-13251 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-8456-6w7p-xg3h.