CVE-2026-18855: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in jackdewey Link Library
The Link Library plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the ll_delete_link_fields function in all versions up to, and including, 7.9.4 This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php). Exploitation requires the administrator to have enabled the 'Delete local file on link deletion' plugin option (disabled by default) and to subsequently permanently delete the attacker-submitted link, which is a routine moderation action.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-18855 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the Link Library WordPress plugin by jackdewey, affecting all versions up to and including 7.9.4. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of file paths in the ll_delete_link_fields function, enabling unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server. Exploitation requires that the administrator has enabled the 'Delete local file on link deletion' option and that the attacker-submitted link is permanently deleted, which is a routine moderation task. Deleting sensitive files such as wp-config.php can lead to remote code execution. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.1 (critical), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high impact on integrity and availability. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the vulnerable plugin if the 'Delete local file on link deletion' option is enabled by an administrator. This can result in denial of service or remote code execution if critical files like wp-config.php are deleted. The impact on integrity and availability is high, but confidentiality is not affected. The vulnerability requires a specific plugin option to be enabled and a routine moderation action to be performed, limiting the attack surface.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch is available, administrators should ensure that the 'Delete local file on link deletion' option remains disabled (it is disabled by default) to prevent exploitation. Additionally, exercise caution when permanently deleting links submitted by untrusted users. Monitor vendor communications for updates and apply any official fixes promptly once released.
CVE-2026-18855: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in jackdewey Link Library
Description
The Link Library plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the ll_delete_link_fields function in all versions up to, and including, 7.9.4 This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php). Exploitation requires the administrator to have enabled the 'Delete local file on link deletion' plugin option (disabled by default) and to subsequently permanently delete the attacker-submitted link, which is a routine moderation action.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.1critical
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-18855 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the Link Library WordPress plugin by jackdewey, affecting all versions up to and including 7.9.4. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of file paths in the ll_delete_link_fields function, enabling unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server. Exploitation requires that the administrator has enabled the 'Delete local file on link deletion' option and that the attacker-submitted link is permanently deleted, which is a routine moderation task. Deleting sensitive files such as wp-config.php can lead to remote code execution. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.1 (critical), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high impact on integrity and availability. No official patch or remediation level has been published yet.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the vulnerable plugin if the 'Delete local file on link deletion' option is enabled by an administrator. This can result in denial of service or remote code execution if critical files like wp-config.php are deleted. The impact on integrity and availability is high, but confidentiality is not affected. The vulnerability requires a specific plugin option to be enabled and a routine moderation action to be performed, limiting the attack surface.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a patch is available, administrators should ensure that the 'Delete local file on link deletion' option remains disabled (it is disabled by default) to prevent exploitation. Additionally, exercise caution when permanently deleting links submitted by untrusted users. Monitor vendor communications for updates and apply any official fixes promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-04T15:58:36.475Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a80b2e7bf8831d5398a3056
Added to database: 08/15/2026, 18:41:43 UTC
Last enriched: 08/23/2026, 13:25:33 UTC
Last updated: 09/05/2026, 10:52:07 UTC
Views: 56
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.