# CVE-2026-118241: Smush WordPress plugin insecure direct object reference in media optimization

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-118241-the-smush-wordpress-plugin-before-4-3-6-does-not-verify-that-a  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-11-11. Updated: 2026-11-11  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-118241 · Severity: info · Published 2026-11-11

Smush is a WordPress plugin for optimizing and managing media attachments. Users with Author role and above can modify and restore media files belonging to other users due to insufficient authorization checks, allowing them to alter files and consume backup storage without proper permissions.

Vendors: [WPMU DEV](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/wpmu-dev).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-118241 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-118241 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-118241?** Informational severity, published 11 November 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** WPMU DEV Smush before 4.3.6.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-118241?** Yes: fixed in 4.3.6. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-118241 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-118241?** Check whether you run WPMU DEV Smush at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in 4.3.6

## Technical details

The plugin implements an insecure direct object reference (IDOR) vulnerability in its media optimization and restoration functions. It verifies only a broad upload-files capability rather than confirming the user owns the targeted attachment, allowing authenticated users with Author role or higher to optimize and restore arbitrary attachments. An authenticated attacker can modify media files on disk and deplete stored backups of other users.

## Affected products

- WPMU DEV Smush before 4.3.6

## Timeline

- 2026-11-09: disclosed
- 2026-11-11: advisory

## References

- [https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/150305f1-4cfc-46d2-9b90-b2f84e2e1d7e/](https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/150305f1-4cfc-46d2-9b90-b2f84e2e1d7e/)