CVE-2026-116852 in Widget Options Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2026
Author Remote Code Execution (RCE) in Widget Options <= 4.2.5 versions.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as Author Remote Code Execution within the WordPress plugin Widget Options, specifically affecting versions up to and including 4.2.5, represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the targeted server. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper authorization checks in the plugin's handling of user-generated content or configuration parameters. By exploiting this weakness, an attacker who does not possess valid administrative credentials can inject malicious scripts or commands into the application logic. The core technical flaw typically involves a lack of proper sanitization when processing data submitted through specific endpoints exposed by the widget management interface. Because WordPress plugins often operate with elevated privileges relative to standard users, successfully leveraging this vulnerability grants the attacker significant control over the web server environment hosting the vulnerable site.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this remote code execution is severe and multifaceted. Once an attacker achieves code execution, they can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. This may involve stealing sensitive data such as user credentials, database contents, or proprietary business information stored within the WordPress installation. Furthermore, attackers frequently use such access to install web shells, backdoors, or malware that facilitate persistent unauthorized access. The compromised server can also be turned into a node for distributed denial-of-service attacks, used to send spam emails, or leveraged as part of a larger botnet infrastructure. Given that Widget Options is widely used across the WordPress ecosystem, this vulnerability potentially impacts thousands of websites, creating a significant attack surface for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers seeking low-hanging fruit in web application security.
This type of vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifiers such as CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code or CWE-78 OS Command Injection, depending on the specific mechanism used to achieve execution. In terms of the MITRE ATT&CK framework for enterprise cybersecurity, this activity maps closely to techniques involving Web Shell Deployment and Remote Services Execution. The attack vector is classified as Network-based with an Attack Complexity that can be considered low if no authentication is required, or medium if limited access is needed initially. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts based on standardized risk assessment models rather than relying solely on vendor advisories.
Mitigation strategies must focus primarily on immediate patching and rigorous input validation practices for developers. Site administrators should update the Widget Options plugin to version 4.2.6 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed by implementing stricter type checking and escaping of output data. For organizations unable to immediately apply patches due to compatibility concerns with other plugins, temporary mitigation involves restricting access to the WordPress admin area via IP whitelisting if feasible, although this is less effective against unauthenticated RCE vectors unless combined with strong authentication mechanisms like multi-factor authentication. Additionally, deploying a Web Application Firewall can help detect and block malicious payloads associated with code injection attempts by analyzing request patterns for known exploit signatures. Regular security audits and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize the potential blast radius if such vulnerabilities are present in other components of the web stack.