Critical severity · published Aug 26, 2026
CVE-2026-18431
Avada <= 7.16 and Fusion Builder <= 3.16 - Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution via Arbitrary File Write
9.8
CVSS
0.9%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
The Avada theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write in all versions up to, and including, 7.16 when the Fusion Builder plugin is installed and active in versions up to, and including, 3.16. This is due to a chain of authorization and input validation weaknesses across the two components that makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to write attacker-controlled files to the server. This can be used to create and execute arbitrary PHP files, resulting in remote code execution and complete site compromise. Successful exploitation requires both Avada and Fusion Builder to be installed and active, as well as certain administrator-authored content to be present.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack vector
Network
Complexity
Low
Privileges
None
User interaction
None
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)0.9% · higher than 59% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
AF
Avada (Fusion) Builder · themefusion
through 3.16 · source: vendor
AW
Avada | Website Builder For WordPress & WooCommerce · ThemeFusion
through 7.16 · source: vendor
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-18431
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-18431
avada.com
https://avada.com/documentation/avada-changelog/
www.wordfence.com
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/5bef5bd3-8ec9-4a5b-bcdd-98952c7ef390?source=cve
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