PatchTheCVECVE-2026-18431: The Avada theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write in all versions up to, and including, 7.16
CVE-2026-18431 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
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 arbi
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.9% (top 41%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-862 |
| Published | 2026-08-26 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-27 |
Last updated 2026-08-27 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: HORKimhab/CVE-2026-18431 (1 stars)
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-18431?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-18431 being exploited?
CVE-2026-18431 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-18431 affect?
CVE-2026-18431 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). 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 authoriz
How urgent is CVE-2026-18431?
Priority 57/100. Critical severity; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action