CVE-2026-9282: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in boldgrid W3 Total Cache
The W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.4 via the setupSources function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires enabling manual minify mode and supplying a manual-format minify filename so that the hash is empty and the f_array[] entries are not overwritten before reaching setupSources().
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-9282 is a directory traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 2.9.4. The flaw exists in the setupSources function, which can be manipulated by unauthenticated attackers who enable manual minify mode and supply a manual-format minify filename that results in an empty hash and prevents overwriting of f_array[] entries. This allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information. There is no vendor advisory or patch information available at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability does not impact integrity or availability but has a high confidentiality impact. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid enabling manual minify mode or supplying manual-format minify filenames that could trigger this vulnerability.
CVE-2026-9282: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in boldgrid W3 Total Cache
Description
The W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.4 via the setupSources function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires enabling manual minify mode and supplying a manual-format minify filename so that the hash is empty and the f_array[] entries are not overwritten before reaching setupSources().
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-9282 is a directory traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 2.9.4. The flaw exists in the setupSources function, which can be manipulated by unauthenticated attackers who enable manual minify mode and supply a manual-format minify filename that results in an empty hash and prevents overwriting of f_array[] entries. This allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information. There is no vendor advisory or patch information available at this time.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability does not impact integrity or availability but has a high confidentiality impact. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, avoid enabling manual minify mode or supplying manual-format minify filenames that could trigger this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-22T14:24:54.137Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a51ee4f68715ace435f5635
Added to database: 07/11/2026, 07:18:39 UTC
Last enriched: 07/11/2026, 07:32:25 UTC
Last updated: 07/11/2026, 08:16:58 UTC
Views: 20
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