CVE-2025-9501
Published: May 8, 2026
Official Description
The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin before 2.8.13 is vulnerable to command injection via the _parse_dynamic_mfunc function, allowing unauthenticated users to execute PHP commands by submitting a comment with a malicious payload to a post.
Risk Analysis
The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin before version 2.8.13 is vulnerable to command injection. An unauthenticated attacker can execute PHP commands by submitting a malicious payload within a comment to a post. This flaw poses a significant risk due to its unauthenticated nature and confirmed exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's KEV catalog. It is remotely exploitable without authentication, making it a critical threat to affected WordPress sites.
Administrators should immediately update the W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin to version 2.8.13 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, consider disabling the plugin until an update can be applied.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-9501 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2025-9501 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2025-9501 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1