CVE-2026-87902: WordPress Core Remote File Inclusion Vulnerability
Affects WordPress CoreSource CISA KEV
Exploited in the wild · KEV due 28 Sep 2026 · public exploit available (Exploit-DB) · 39% EPSS : apply the vendor's fix or mitigations to WordPress Core now.
Data as of 10/24/2026, 22:16:05 UTC
- Exploitation
Actively exploited – in CISA KEV since 09/25/2026
- KEV deadline
- 09/28/2026 US federal agencies must patch by this date; a sensible deadline for everyone else.
- EPSS
- 39.9% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 98% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Public exploits
- 1 Exploit-DB entry, a Nuclei detection templatePublic attack or detection tooling exists; see Public exploits below.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HWhat to do
CISA required action
Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
- github.com/WordPress/wordpress-develop/security/advisories/GHSA-7hp8-65ch-5whp (opens in a new tab)
- cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk (opens in a new tab)
- cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk (opens in a new tab)
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-87902 (opens in a new tab)
Public exploits and detection
Nuclei detection templates
Public tooling indexed from Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB and ProjectDiscovery nuclei-templates. Its existence raises the odds of exploitation; it does not confirm attacks.
Description
WordPress Core has a remote file inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to include a chosen readable local PHP file outside the active theme directories. This can lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability has a high severity score of 8.1 and has been exploited in the wild. No specific affected versions or patch information is provided.
Impact
Successful exploitation allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely on the affected WordPress installation. This can lead to full system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild, increasing the urgency of mitigation.
Mitigation
Restrict access to WordPress installations, especially limiting unauthenticated access to page-template resolution functionality if possible. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
Weaknesses
- CWE-98Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') (opens in a new tab)
Variant weaknessLikelihood of exploit: HighOWASP Top 10 A05:2025: Injection (opens in a new tab)
The PHP application receives input from an upstream component, but it does not restrict or incorrectly restricts the input before its usage in "require," "include," or similar functions.
References
- github.com/WordPress/wordpress-develop/security/advisories/GHSA-7hp8-65ch-5whp (opens in a new tab)
- cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk (opens in a new tab)
- cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk (opens in a new tab)
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-87902 (opens in a new tab)
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?search=CVE-2026-87902 (opens in a new tab)