# CVE-2026-40779: Link Library arbitrary file deletion in WordPress plugin

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-40779-link-library-arbitrary-file-deletion-in-wordpress-plugin  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-06-15. Updated: 2026-06-15  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-40779 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.7 · Published 2026-06-15

Link Library is a WordPress plugin used to manage and display lists of links. A security flaw allows users with 'Contributor' level access to delete arbitrary files from the web server. This could lead to a complete site outage or the removal of critical configuration files, potentially allowing an attacker to reset the site and take full control.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-40779 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-40779 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-40779?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.7, published 15 June 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Link Library <= 7.8.8.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-40779?** A patch was published on 2026-04-22: Version 7.8.9 released to address the vulnerability Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-40779 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-40779?** 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 Link Library plugin for WordPress (versions up to 7.8.8) contains a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) that allows authenticated users with Contributor-level privileges to delete arbitrary files on the server. The flaw likely stems from insufficient validation of file paths provided by users in a deletion function. By manipulating input parameters, a remote attacker can bypass directory restrictions to target sensitive system or application files. Successful exploitation results in a denial of service by breaking the website or removing security configurations. The issue is resolved in version 7.8.9.

## Affected products

- Link Library Link Library <= 7.8.8

## Timeline

- 2026-03-11: other: Reported by researcher Trương Hữu Phúc
- 2026-04-22: advisory: Initial Patchstack advisory published
- 2026-06-15: disclosed: NVD publication date
- 2026-04-22: patched: Version 7.8.9 released to address the vulnerability

## References

- [https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/link-library/vulnerability/wordpress-link-library-plugin-7-8-8-arbitrary-file-deletion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve](https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/link-library/vulnerability/wordpress-link-library-plugin-7-8-8-arbitrary-file-deletion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve)

## 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)
- [WordPress Link Library arbitrary file deletion](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18855-wordpress-link-library-arbitrary-file-deletion)