CVE-2026-18051: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in W3 Total Cache
The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin before 2.10.5 does not properly validate the request path it uses to build cache file names, allowing unauthenticated attackers to write a file into any existing directory on the server, inside or outside the web root, overwriting whatever occupies the target name. On Apache, the same flaw overwrites the site's .htaccess files, which breaks the site and can strip hardening rules that other security measures rely on.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.10.5 do not properly validate request paths used to construct cache file names. This improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22) enables unauthenticated attackers to write files into any existing directory on the server, including directories outside the web root. On Apache servers, this vulnerability can be exploited to overwrite the .htaccess file, disrupting site functionality and removing security configurations.
Potential Impact
An attacker can overwrite arbitrary files on the server, including critical configuration files like .htaccess on Apache. This can lead to site downtime and removal of security hardening measures, increasing the risk of further compromise. The vulnerability affects unauthenticated users, increasing its severity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the plugin and monitor for suspicious activity related to file writes. Avoid using vulnerable versions of the plugin if possible.
CVE-2026-18051: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in W3 Total Cache
Description
The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin before 2.10.5 does not properly validate the request path it uses to build cache file names, allowing unauthenticated attackers to write a file into any existing directory on the server, inside or outside the web root, overwriting whatever occupies the target name. On Apache, the same flaw overwrites the site's .htaccess files, which breaks the site and can strip hardening rules that other security measures rely on.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.10.5 do not properly validate request paths used to construct cache file names. This improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22) enables unauthenticated attackers to write files into any existing directory on the server, including directories outside the web root. On Apache servers, this vulnerability can be exploited to overwrite the .htaccess file, disrupting site functionality and removing security configurations.
Potential Impact
An attacker can overwrite arbitrary files on the server, including critical configuration files like .htaccess on Apache. This can lead to site downtime and removal of security hardening measures, increasing the risk of further compromise. The vulnerability affects unauthenticated users, increasing its severity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the plugin and monitor for suspicious activity related to file writes. Avoid using vulnerable versions of the plugin if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-28T12:02:07.571Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a854e93c6e8be033248b28b
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 06:34:59 UTC
Last enriched: 08/19/2026, 07:10:36 UTC
Last updated: 08/19/2026, 11:17:36 UTC
Views: 7
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