CVE-2026-5114: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in softaculous SpeedyCache – Cache, Optimization, Performance
The SpeedyCache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read via Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.8. This is due to a mismatch between CSS URL validation (which allows query strings like `.css?...`) and path resolution (which strips query strings), combined with no validation that the resolved file is actually a CSS file. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to read arbitrary files from the server (including `wp-config.php` and `/etc/passwd`) by injecting crafted `<link>` tags into page content, with the file contents written to publicly accessible cache files.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-5114 describes a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the SpeedyCache plugin for WordPress. The issue arises from a mismatch between CSS URL validation, which permits query strings, and path resolution, which strips them, combined with a lack of validation ensuring the resolved file is a CSS file. Authenticated users with administrator privileges can exploit this by injecting crafted <link> tags into page content, causing arbitrary files on the server to be read and their contents written to publicly accessible cache files. This enables disclosure of sensitive server files such as wp-config.php and /etc/passwd. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.3.8. No patch or official fix has been documented as of the published date.
Potential Impact
An attacker with administrator-level access can read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive configuration and system files. This compromises confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting the requirement for high privileges and no user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict administrator access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity involving crafted <link> tags. Avoid using vulnerable versions of SpeedyCache if possible.
CVE-2026-5114: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in softaculous SpeedyCache – Cache, Optimization, Performance
Description
The SpeedyCache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read via Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.8. This is due to a mismatch between CSS URL validation (which allows query strings like `.css?...`) and path resolution (which strips query strings), combined with no validation that the resolved file is actually a CSS file. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to read arbitrary files from the server (including `wp-config.php` and `/etc/passwd`) by injecting crafted `<link>` tags into page content, with the file contents written to publicly accessible cache files.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.9medium
Affected software
softaculous
SpeedyCache – Cache, Optimization, Performance
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-5114 describes a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the SpeedyCache plugin for WordPress. The issue arises from a mismatch between CSS URL validation, which permits query strings, and path resolution, which strips them, combined with a lack of validation ensuring the resolved file is a CSS file. Authenticated users with administrator privileges can exploit this by injecting crafted <link> tags into page content, causing arbitrary files on the server to be read and their contents written to publicly accessible cache files. This enables disclosure of sensitive server files such as wp-config.php and /etc/passwd. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.3.8. No patch or official fix has been documented as of the published date.
Potential Impact
An attacker with administrator-level access can read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive configuration and system files. This compromises confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting the requirement for high privileges and no user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict administrator access to trusted users only and monitor for suspicious activity involving crafted <link> tags. Avoid using vulnerable versions of SpeedyCache if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-29T21:55:12.924Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a68fdfd9c2644c7f811682e
Added to database: 07/28/2026, 19:07:41 UTC
Last enriched: 07/29/2026, 21:24:25 UTC
Last updated: 09/11/2026, 22:06:34 UTC
Views: 86
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