CVE-2026-39465 Overview
CVE-2026-39465 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Responsive Slider by MetaSlider WordPress plugin, affecting versions up to and including 3.106.0. The flaw allows authenticated users with Editor-level privileges to execute arbitrary code on the underlying server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code.
The issue carries a network attack vector with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A scope change is involved, meaning successful exploitation can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component itself.
Critical Impact
Authenticated Editors can execute arbitrary code on WordPress servers running MetaSlider versions through 3.106.0, enabling full site compromise and lateral movement within the hosting environment.
Affected Products
- Responsive Slider by MetaSlider (ml-slider) WordPress plugin versions <= 3.106.0
- WordPress sites with the MetaSlider plugin installed and active
- Multi-site WordPress installations using MetaSlider for any tenant
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-15 - CVE-2026-39465 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-39465
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Responsive Slider by MetaSlider plugin, a widely deployed WordPress slideshow component. Attackers holding Editor role credentials can leverage plugin functionality to inject and execute attacker-controlled code on the WordPress host.
The scope change classification indicates that exploitation crosses a security boundary. Code executed through the plugin runs in the context of the PHP worker process, granting access to WordPress core files, database credentials in wp-config.php, and other tenants in shared hosting environments.
Because the attack requires only network access and an authenticated session, automated exploitation is feasible against any site where Editor credentials are exposed through phishing, credential stuffing, or compromise of a lower-trust account chained with privilege escalation.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper control of code generation [CWE-94] within the plugin's editor-accessible functionality. The plugin processes user-supplied input in a context where that input is interpreted as executable code, rather than being treated as inert data. See the Patchstack Vulnerability Database Entry for additional technical context.
Attack Vector
Exploitation proceeds over the network through standard HTTP(S) requests to the WordPress administrative interface. The attacker authenticates as an Editor, navigates to a MetaSlider configuration endpoint, and submits a crafted payload through a parameter that the plugin later evaluates as code. No user interaction is required beyond the authenticated session, and exploitation complexity is low.
No verified public exploit code is currently available. Refer to the Patchstack advisory for vendor-published technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-39465
Indicators of Compromise
- New or modified PHP files under wp-content/plugins/ml-slider/ or wp-content/uploads/ with recent timestamps that do not match a known plugin update.
- Outbound network connections from the PHP worker process to unfamiliar hosts following authenticated requests to MetaSlider admin endpoints.
- WordPress audit log entries showing Editor-level accounts modifying slider configurations followed by execution of system commands such as id, whoami, or uname.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor WordPress access logs for POST requests to admin-ajax.php or admin.php with action parameters referencing MetaSlider, particularly from Editor accounts.
- Deploy file integrity monitoring on the WordPress installation directory to alert on unexpected creation or modification of PHP files.
- Inspect web server process trees for child processes spawned from php-fpm or apache2 that invoke shell utilities.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress security plugin logging for plugin configuration changes and review Editor account activity daily.
- Correlate authentication events for Editor accounts with subsequent administrative actions to identify session hijacking or credential abuse.
- Forward web server, PHP error, and WordPress audit logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and behavioral analysis.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-39465
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Responsive Slider by MetaSlider to the version released after 3.106.0 that addresses CVE-2026-39465 as soon as it is available from the vendor.
- Audit all WordPress accounts with Editor role or higher and remove unnecessary privileges, enforcing the principle of least privilege.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication on all WordPress accounts capable of accessing the plugin administrative interface.
- Rotate credentials for Editor and Administrator accounts and invalidate active sessions to evict any pre-positioned attackers.
Patch Information
Review the Patchstack Vulnerability Database Entry for the latest patched version information. Apply the fixed plugin release through the WordPress admin interface or via WP-CLI using wp plugin update ml-slider.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the MetaSlider plugin until a patched version can be installed and verified in a staging environment.
- Restrict access to /wp-admin/ using web server allow-lists or VPN-only access to limit exposure of authenticated endpoints.
- Deploy a web application firewall rule to block requests containing suspicious payload patterns targeting MetaSlider admin actions.
- Demote Editor accounts to Author or Contributor where feasible until patching is complete, since the vulnerability requires Editor privileges.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
