CVE-2026-8713: The Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the maybe_delete_...

Description

The Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the maybe_delete_files function in all versions up to, and including, 3.15.3. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php). The attack requires a published Avada form configured to save entries to the database; an unauthenticated attacker submits a path-traversal payload via the wp_ajax_nopriv_fusion_form_submit_ajax handler while also controlling the fusion_privacy_expiration_interval and privacy_expiration_action fields to force an immediate 'delete' cleanup, causing the planted entry to be automatically processed by the Fusion_Form_DB_Privacy shutdown-hook routine without any administrator interaction.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.19%

64.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-22

References

Timeline

Published: Jun 19, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 22, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-8713?

The Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the maybe_delete_files function in all versions up to, and including, 3.15.3. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php). The attack requires a published Avada form configured to save entries to the database; an unauthenticated attacker submits a path-traversal payload via the wp_ajax_nopriv_fusion_form_submit_ajax handler while also controlling the fusion_privacy_expiration_interval and privacy_expiration_action fields to force an immediate 'delete' cleanup, causing the planted entry to be automatically processed by the Fusion_Form_DB_Privacy shutdown-hook routine without any administrator interaction.

How severe is CVE-2026-8713?

CVE-2026-8713 has a CVSS score of 9.1/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.19% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-8713?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.