What the vulnerability does
01Description
The W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.9.4 via the setupSources function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires enabling manual minify mode and supplying a manual-format minify filename so that the hash is empty and the f_array[] entries are not overwritten before reaching setupSources().
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
W3 Total Cache versions up to 2.9.4 contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files from the server. An attacker can craft requests to access files outside the intended directory, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other private data. No user interaction is required.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read arbitrary files from the server, including sensitive configuration and credential files.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Attackers can access sensitive files like wp-config.php, database backups, or private keys without logging in.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
July 11, 2026
CVE published
