Critical File Upload Flaws Expose WordPress Plugins to Remote Code Execution
Multiple WordPress plugins were found vulnerable to unauthenticated arbitrary file upload flaws that can lead to remote code execution and full site compromise. The most urgent case involves the Breeze Cache plugin, where CVE-2026-3844 affects versions through 2.4.4 when the optional "Host Files Locally - Gravatars" feature is enabled. Researchers said the bug stems from missing file-type validation in the fetch_gravatar_from_remote function, and BleepingComputer reported that attackers are already exploiting the issue in the wild, with Wordfence observing more than 170 attack attempts. Cloudways released a fix in version 2.4.5, and defenders were urged to update immediately or disable the Gravatar-related feature until patching is complete.
Two additional Contact Form 7 upload extensions were also disclosed with critical upload weaknesses. CVE-2026-5718 affects Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 through 1.3.9.6, where custom blacklist handling can override the default dangerous-extension denylist and a non-ASCII filename trick can bypass sanitization, allowing attackers to upload PHP files. CVE-2026-5364 affects Drag and Drop File Upload for Contact Form 7 through 1.1.3, where the plugin validates an unsanitized extension but saves a sanitized one, enabling bypasses using special characters such as $; researchers noted that .htaccess protections and filename randomization may reduce real-world exploitability. Together, the disclosures highlight a broader pattern of insecure file validation in WordPress upload plugins.
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How this story unfolded
5 events from the most recent confirmed update back to the earliest known activity.
CVE-2026-5364 disclosed in Drag and Drop File Upload for Contact Form 7
A separate unauthenticated arbitrary file upload flaw, CVE-2026-5364, was disclosed in Drag and Drop File Upload for Contact Form 7 versions up to 1.1.3. The bug involves validation of an unsanitized extension before saving a sanitized filename, enabling PHP upload in some scenarios despite mitigations such as .htaccess and randomized filenames.
Active exploitation of Breeze Cache bug observed in the wild
Hackers were reported to be actively exploiting CVE-2026-3844, with Wordfence detecting more than 170 exploitation attempts. Successful attacks could lead to remote code execution and full WordPress site takeover on affected installations.
Cloudways releases Breeze Cache 2.4.5 patch
Cloudways patched the Breeze Cache arbitrary file upload vulnerability by releasing version 2.4.5. Administrators were advised to update immediately or disable the vulnerable Gravatar-hosting feature if they could not patch at once.
Breeze Cache file upload flaw disclosed as CVE-2026-3844
A critical unauthenticated arbitrary file upload vulnerability affecting Breeze Cache versions up to 2.4.4 was disclosed and assigned CVE-2026-3844. The issue was attributed to missing file-type validation in the plugin's fetch_gravatar_from_remote function and requires the optional "Host Files Locally - Gravatars" setting to be enabled.
CVE-2026-5718 disclosed in Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload plugin
CVE-2026-5718 was disclosed for Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 versions up to 1.3.9.6. The vulnerability combines improper blacklist handling with a non-ASCII filename sanitization bypass, allowing unauthenticated arbitrary file upload and possible remote code execution.
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Sources
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Critical vulnerability in WordPress Breeze Cache plugin exploited | brief | SC Media
scworld.com
Open sourceCVE-2026-5364 - Drag and Drop File Upload for Contact Form 7 <= 1.1.3 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload via sanitize_file_name Bypass
cvefeed.io
Open sourceHackers exploit file upload bug in Breeze Cache WordPress plugin
bleepingcomputer.com
Open sourceCVE-2026-3844 - Breeze Cache <= 2.4.4 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload via fetch_gravatar_from_remote
cvefeed.io
Open sourceCVE-2026-5718 - Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 <= 1.3.9.6 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload via Non-ASCII Filename Blacklist Bypass
cvefeed.io
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Active Exploitation of Ninja Forms File Uploads Flaw Enables WordPress RCE
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