Unauthenticated code execution via arbitrary file write
Published Aug 26, 2026 · Updated Aug 27, 2026
Arbitrary file write in ThemeFusion Avada 7.16 and earlier with Avada Builder 3.16 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute PHP code. A six-step chain lets public request data reach privileged behavior, influence trusted request state, invoke an unauthorized maintenance operation, and bypass controls on what files are written and where. Exploitation requires both components to be active and certain administrator-authored content to exist; the resulting PHP runs as the web server.
Summary
What happened
Arbitrary file write in ThemeFusion Avada 7.16 and earlier with Avada Builder 3.16 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute PHP code. A six-step chain lets public request data reach privileged behavior, influence trusted request state, invoke an unauthorized maintenance operation, and bypass controls on what files are written and where. Exploitation requires both components to be active and certain administrator-authored content to exist; the resulting PHP runs as the web server.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-18431
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 27, 2026
- Vendor
- ThemeFusion
- Product
- Avada
- Classifications
- CWE-862, T1190
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 26, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 27, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <=7.16
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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