Kirki export/import path validation permits Editor arbitrary file read

Kirki through 6.1.1 uses a substring-based uploads-directory check on the data parameter. An Editor can supply a URL that contains the uploads base path but also includes traversal segments such as /wp-content/uploads/../../wp-config.php, bypassing the guard and reading arbitrary files accessible to PHP. The public.

CVE / CNA score 4.9 CVSS 3.1 · security@wordfence.com

NVD score Pending NVD has not published its own CVSS assessment.

Component: Kirki – Freeform Page Builder, Website Builder & Customizer
Plugin slug: kirki
Affected: <= 6.1.1
Safe version: See mitigation notes
Published: Aug 16, 2026
Weakness: CWE-22 — Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

This CVE was published Aug 16, 2026 and is one of 42 known issues for this plugin.

What to do

Update, patch or deactivate.

This archive could not verify a fixed version from the official author release notes reviewed on 2026-10-13. Disable the affected feature or component where practical until remediation for the deployed configuration is established. restrict Editors or disable the affected export/import feature and rotate secrets if local files may have been exposed. Official author release notes: https://wordpress.org/plugins/kirki/.

No confirmed safe version is listed. Consider a vendor-supported patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality while you assess the risk.

Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.

Source record

Technical description

The Kirki – Freeform Page Builder, Website Builder & Customizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 6.1.1 via the 'data' parameter parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with editor-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. The intended strpos()-based guard against leaving the uploads directory is bypassed by crafting a URL that includes the uploads base path as a substring while embedding directory traversal sequences, such as /wp-content/uploads/../../wp-config.php.

CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

References

Primary and upstream sources

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