Summary
WordPress Core is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in versions 4.7 through 7.1.3. This is due to predictable, web-accessible staging paths used during full-package core upgrades. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute code on the server during the upgrade window.
Remediation
CISA required actionApply 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.
References
- Advisoryhttps://wordpress.org/news/2026/10/wordpress-7-1-4
- Advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-core/wordpress-core-470-713-unauthenticated-upgrade-window-staged-installer-remote-code-execution
- Advisoryhttps://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk
- Advisoryhttps://www.cisa.gov/news-events/directives/bod-26-04-implementation-guidance-prioritizing-security-updates-based-risk
- Advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-119977
- Referencehttps://core.trac.wordpress.org/browser/tags/7.1.3/src/wp-admin/includes/class-core-upgrader.php#L162
- Referencehttps://core.trac.wordpress.org/browser/tags/7.1.3/src/wp-admin/includes/class-wp-upgrader.php#L378
- Referencehttps://core.trac.wordpress.org/browser/tags/7.1.3/src/wp-admin/includes/update-core.php#L1549
- Referencehttps://core.trac.wordpress.org/browser/tags/7.1.3/src/wp-admin/setup-config.php#L282
- Referencehttps://core.trac.wordpress.org/browser/tags/7.1.4/src/wp-admin/includes/class-wp-upgrader.php#L346
- Referencehttps://core.trac.wordpress.org/browser/tags/7.1.4/src/wp-admin/includes/update-core.php#L1545
- Referencehttps://wordpress.org/news/2026/10/wordpress-7-1-4/