Avada <= 7.16 and Fusion Builder <= 3.16 - Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution via Arbitrary File Write

9.8
Missing Authorization
CVE CVE-2026-18431
CVSS 9.8 (Critical)
Publicly Published August 25, 2026
Last Updated August 26, 2026
Researchers Alex Thomas - Wordfence
Wordfence Argus - Wordfence

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.

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2 affected software packages

Software Type Plugin
Software Slug fusion-builder
Patched? Yes
Remediation Update to version 3.16.1, or a newer patched version
Affected Version
  • <= 3.16
Patched Version
  • 3.16.1
Software Type Theme
Software Slug Avada
Patched? Yes
Remediation Update to version 7.16.1, or a newer patched version
Affected Version
  • <= 7.16
Patched Version
  • 7.16.1

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