Video Explains How a WordPress Core Flaw Could Enable Remote Code Execution
· 10:19 · Watch on YouTube ↗
Summary
The presenter explains how CVE-2026-87902 may let a crafted request traverse beyond a WordPress theme and include a PHP file, potentially enabling remote code execution under specific server conditions.
Key points
- The presenter describes CVE-2026-87902 as a WordPress core flaw in which double URL encoding can make a page name traverse outside the active theme directory.
- The described first step is unauthenticated local PHP file inclusion; remote code execution depends on additional server and theme conditions.
- The demonstration uses a POST request because, according to the presenter, a GET request receives a redirect that prevents the payload from reaching the template resolver.
- The presenter demonstrates turning the file inclusion into a web shell by abusing a PHP utility that parses URL query strings as command-line arguments.
- The stated prerequisites include an unpatched WordPress core, an active theme with a top-level folder whose name starts with page-, PHP register_argc_argv enabled, and a suitable PHP file on the server.
- The presenter says updating to WordPress 7.1.2 or later prevents this exploit chain.
Article Details
- Topics
- [00:00] CVE-2026-87902 and the claimed WordPress core vulnerability
- [01:40] Double-encoded path traversal and unauthenticated PHP file inclusion
- [02:20] Vulnerability reverse engineering and proof-of-concept development
- [04:59] POST request requirement and payload construction details
- [07:31] Demonstration of converting file inclusion into a web shell
- [08:43] Exploit prerequisites and the presenter’s patch guidance