CVE-2026-5524: Divi Form Builder <= 5.1.8 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload Leading to Remote Code Execution via 'acceptFileTypes' Parameter
The Divi Form Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Upload leading to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to and including 5.1.8. This is due to insufficient file extension validation in the doimageupload() function where user-supplied input from the acceptFileTypes POST parameter is directly interpolated into a regular expression used to validate uploaded files. Attackers can specify PHP-executable extensions such as .phtml, .phar, .php5, or .php7 to bypass the plugin's .htaccess protection which only blocks .php files specifically. Additionally, on Nginx-based servers, the .htaccess protection is completely ineffective as Nginx does not process .htaccess files. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers (who can obtain a nonce from any public page containing a form) to upload executable PHP files to the publicly accessible /wp-content/uploads/defbuploads/ directory and achieve Remote Code Execution by accessing the uploaded file via HTTP. The vulnerability was partially patched in version 5.1.3.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
Divi Form Builder (WordPress plugin)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 5.1.8 - Configuration
Do not rely on .htaccess for protection on Nginx servers because Nginx does not process .htaccess files.
Nginx-based servers .htaccess protection = ineffective - Compensating control
Mitigate by blocking direct HTTP access to the upload directory path /wp-content/uploads/de_fb_uploads/ (e.g., via Nginx location rules or firewall/ACL), since uploaded executable files can be accessed for Remote Code Execution.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-5524?
CVE-2026-5524 has a critical severity score of 9.8.
How do I fix CVE-2026-5524?
To fix CVE-2026-5524, upgrade the Divi Form Builder plugin to a version greater than 5.1.8.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-5524?
CVE-2026-5524 is an arbitrary file upload vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution.
Which versions of Divi Form Builder are affected by CVE-2026-5524?
All versions of Divi Form Builder up to and including 5.1.8 are affected by CVE-2026-5524.
What causes the vulnerability in CVE-2026-5524?
The vulnerability in CVE-2026-5524 is caused by insufficient file extension validation in the do_image_upload() function.