CVE-2026-4782: Avada Builder Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2026-4782 Overview

CVE-2026-4782 is an Arbitrary File Read vulnerability in the Avada Builder plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 3.15.2. The vulnerability resides in the fusion_get_svg_from_file function, reached through the custom_svg parameter of the fusion_section_separator shortcode. Authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or above can read arbitrary files on the server, exposing configuration data, credentials, and other sensitive content. The issue was partially addressed in version 3.15.2 and fully patched in version 3.15.3.

Critical Impact

Authenticated Subscriber-level users can read arbitrary server files, including wp-config.php and other sensitive resources, enabling further compromise of the WordPress installation.

Affected Products

• Avada Builder plugin for WordPress, all versions up to and including 3.15.2
• Partially patched in version 3.15.2
• Fully patched in version 3.15.3

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-05-13 - CVE-2026-4782 published to NVD
• 2026-05-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-4782

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified as Path Traversal under [CWE-36] Absolute Path Traversal. It allows an authenticated attacker to supply a file path through a shortcode parameter and receive the file contents in the rendered output. The attack requires only Subscriber-level privileges, which are commonly available on WordPress sites that allow user registration.

The network attack vector and low privilege requirement make exploitation straightforward in default WordPress configurations that permit open registration. The impact is limited to confidentiality, as the flaw enables reading but not modification of files.

Root Cause

The fusion_get_svg_from_file function processes the custom_svg parameter of the fusion_section_separator shortcode without validating that the supplied path stays within an allowed directory. The function reads the referenced file from disk and returns its contents, treating user-supplied input as a trusted file path.

Attack Vector

An attacker with Subscriber-level access submits content containing the fusion_section_separator shortcode with a custom_svg value pointing at a sensitive file on the server. When the shortcode renders, the plugin returns the file contents. Targets typically include wp-config.php, environment files, private keys, and log files. Refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-4782

Indicators of Compromise

• Requests from low-privileged authenticated users containing the fusion_section_separator shortcode in post, page, or AJAX payloads
• Shortcode parameters where custom_svg references paths containing ../, absolute paths, or sensitive filenames such as wp-config.php
• Unexpected reads of sensitive configuration files by the PHP process associated with the Avada Builder plugin

Detection Strategies

• Inspect WordPress post revisions and AJAX request logs for fusion_section_separator shortcodes containing suspicious custom_svg values
• Monitor PHP file-access telemetry for the web server user reading files outside of expected WordPress and theme directories
• Alert on Subscriber-level accounts invoking shortcode rendering endpoints not typically associated with their role

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable WordPress audit logging to capture shortcode usage, user role activity, and content submissions by low-privileged accounts
• Forward web server and PHP error logs to a centralized logging platform for correlation against authenticated session data
• Track newly registered Subscriber accounts that immediately interact with builder or shortcode endpoints

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-4782

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Avada Builder plugin to version 3.15.3 or later on all WordPress instances
• Audit Subscriber and higher-privileged accounts for unfamiliar registrations and revoke unused access
• Review server file-access logs for prior reads of wp-config.php or other sensitive files initiated by the web application

Patch Information

Fusion Builder fully patched the vulnerability in Avada Builder version 3.15.3. Version 3.15.2 contains only a partial fix and remains vulnerable. Site administrators should verify the installed version through the WordPress plugins screen and apply the update via the ThemeForest Item Overview distribution channel.

Workarounds

• Disable open user registration in WordPress settings to remove the Subscriber-level access required for exploitation
• Restrict shortcode usage by Subscriber-level roles using a capability management plugin until patching is complete
• Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks requests containing fusion_section_separator shortcodes with custom_svg parameters referencing path traversal sequences or absolute paths

# Configuration example: verify plugin version via WP-CLI and update
wp plugin get fusion-builder --field=version
wp plugin update fusion-builder --version=3.15.3