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~/exploited / cve-2026-119977

CVE-2026-119977: WordPress Core

According to CISA this vulnerability is already used in attacks (added on 3 November 2026).

Key facts

CVECVE-2026-119977
VendorWordPress — WordPress Core
VulnerabilityWordPress WordPress Core Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition Vulnerability
Added3 November 2026
Deadline (US agencies)6 November 2026
Ransomware campaignsunknown

Description (CISA)

WordPress WordPress Core contains a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition vulnerability that could allow unauthenticated attackers to execute code on the server during the upgrade window. This is due to predictable, web-accessible staging paths used during full-package core upgrades.

Required action (CISA)

Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.

What admins should do now

  1. Affected? Check whether WordPress Core is in use and which version runs (package manager, admin UI, --version).
  2. Apply the vendor patch or workaround as soon as it exists. If that is not possible right away: restrict outside access (firewall, VPN, reverse proxy).
  3. Review logs back to 3 November 2026: unusual logins, new files, unexpected processes, outbound connections.
  4. If you suspect a compromise: isolate the system, rotate credentials, check the last backup from before the incident.

The deadline applies to US federal agencies. It is still a useful yardstick for everyone: when a flaw is attacked in the wild, waiting is not an option.

Sources

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