CVE-2026-1756 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) affecting the WP FOFT Loader plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of file types in the 'WP_FOFT_Loader_Mimes::file_and_ext' function, which fails to properly check the extension and MIME type of uploaded files. This flaw allows authenticated users with Author-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files to the server hosting the WordPress site. Because the plugin does not sufficiently restrict or sanitize these uploads, attackers can upload malicious files such as web shells or scripts that enable remote code execution (RCE). The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.1.39. Exploitation does not require user interaction beyond authentication, and the attack vector is network-based, making it accessible remotely. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and privileges required. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the risk is significant due to the common use of WordPress and the plugin in question. The vulnerability could be leveraged to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, or disrupt services on compromised servers.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to the security of WordPress-based websites, which are widely used across various sectors including government, education, e-commerce, and media. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, deployment of malware, or use of compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within corporate networks. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely can result in full system compromise, data breaches, and significant operational disruption. Given the high adoption rate of WordPress in Europe and the common practice of granting Author-level permissions to contributors, many organizations could be vulnerable if they use the affected plugin. The impact is heightened in sectors subject to strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, where breaches can lead to substantial fines and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited to target critical infrastructure or high-profile websites, amplifying its potential consequences.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the WP FOFT Loader plugin and verify its version. Until an official patch is released, organizations should restrict or temporarily revoke Author-level and higher permissions for users who do not require them, minimizing the risk of exploitation. Implement strict file upload controls and monitoring to detect and block suspicious uploads, including the use of Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules targeting the plugin's upload endpoints. Employ security plugins that enforce file type validation and scanning of uploaded content for malware. Regularly back up WordPress sites and maintain an incident response plan to quickly recover from potential compromises. Once a patch is available, apply it promptly and test the update in a staging environment before production deployment. Additionally, consider isolating WordPress environments and limiting server permissions to reduce the impact of any successful exploit.