CVE-2026-9282 W3 Total Cache <= 2.9.4 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Read via 'f_array[]' Parameter
Unauthenticated attackers can read arbitrary server files via directory traversal in W3 Total Cache when manual minify mode is 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-2026-9282?
CVE-2026-9282 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in boldgrid W3 Total Cache, published on 11 Jul 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official 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().
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-9282?
How do I fix CVE-2026-9282?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-9282 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-2026-9282 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2026-9282 exists.
Public exploit code: 1 Nuclei template.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-cx46-vqrj-hfqm.