# CVE-2026-18855: WordPress Link Library arbitrary file deletion

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18855-wordpress-link-library-arbitrary-file-deletion  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-15. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-18855 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.1 · Published 2026-08-15

The Link Library plugin for WordPress contains a file deletion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to delete critical website files such as wp-config.php. An attacker can submit malicious links with arbitrary file paths; when a site administrator deletes these links using the plugin's optional file deletion feature, the attacker's specified files are removed. This can lead to website defacement, data loss, or remote code execution.

Technologies: [Link Library](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/link-library). Vendors: [Link Library](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/link-library).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-18855 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18855 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18855?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.1, published 15 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Link Library up to 7.9.4.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-18855?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-18855 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18855?** Check whether you run Link Library 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.

## Technical details

The vulnerability exists in the ll_delete_link_fields function within the Link Library plugin, where file path validation is insufficient. When the plugin's 'Delete local file on link deletion' option is enabled (disabled by default), an attacker can craft a link entry with a malicious file path that bypasses path validation checks. The attack requires an administrator to perform the routine action of permanently deleting the attacker-submitted link through the WordPress admin interface. Upon deletion, the plugin will remove the specified file from the server without proper sanitization, potentially including critical files like wp-config.php.

## Affected products

- Link Library Link Library up to 7.9.4

## Timeline

- 2026-08-15: disclosed
- 2026-08-15: advisory: CVE-2026-18855

## References

- [https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/link-library/tags/7.9.4/link-library-admin.php](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/link-library/tags/7.9.4/link-library-admin.php)
- [https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/link-library/tags/7.9.4/link-library-admin.php](https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/link-library/tags/7.9.4/link-library-admin.php)

## Related threats

- [Link Library WordPress plugin SSRF via reciprocal link validation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-78397-the-link-library-wordpress-plugin-before-7-9-6-does-not-validate)
- [Link Library arbitrary file deletion in WordPress plugin](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-40779-link-library-arbitrary-file-deletion-in-wordpress-plugin)