External risk intelligence

Responsive Slider by MetaSlider Editor Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.1)

CVE-2026-39465

A critical remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Responsive Slider by MetaSlider WordPress plugin, potentially allowing an attacker with editor privileges to compromise a website. This issue impacts website content management and could lead to unauthorized code execution on the server if the vulnerable comp

4Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2026-39465

This vulnerability exists in a WordPress plugin used to manage website content. Plugins of this type are commonly integrated into public-facing web applications to render sliders and media, making the vulnerable component reachable via standard web traffic in typical deployments.

PCI scan relevance

PCI Relevance for CVE-2026-39465

Yes

CVE-2026-39465 — Halo PCI Relevance: Yes. Under typical PCI ASV external scan criteria, this issue may be flagged for scan prioritization.

This vulnerability allows remote code execution and is considered CRITICAL. Given its severity and the nature of remote code execution, it is relevant to PCI DSS.

Scan-prioritization guidance only—not a PCI DSS certification or ASV attestation.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A critical security vulnerability has been identified in a WordPress plugin that allows for remote code execution, meaning an attacker could potentially take control of the affected website. This issue impacts how sliders and media are managed on public-facing web applications. The main concern is confirming if this specific plugin is in use and exposed.

  • Website content management flaw.
  • Attackers could gain site control.
  • Confirm relevance and exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker with administrative privileges on a WordPress site could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious file through the plugin's editor. This could lead to the execution of arbitrary code on the server, allowing the attacker to compromise the website.

  • Requires administrator access.
  • Triggered via the plugin's editor.
  • Leads to arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially impacting the integrity and availability of the affected website and its underlying system. This is possible when the vulnerable component is exposed to the network and specific conditions are met, allowing for unauthorized code execution.

  • Server-side code execution.
  • Attacker with editor privileges.
  • Compromise of website and server.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This critical vulnerability in the Responsive Slider plugin by MetaSlider likely falls under the responsibility of the Application Owner and Platform Team, as it impacts a component integrated into web applications. The first practical step is to identify all instances of the affected plugin, determine their business criticality and external reachability, and then locate the accountable owner to plan remediation.

  • Application owners should investigate.
  • Verify plugin instances and reachability.
  • Plan remediation with affected teams.

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Responsive Slider by MetaSlider?

Responsive Slider by MetaSlider is a plugin for WordPress designed to help users create and manage image sliders and visual media content on their websites. It acts as an extension to the WordPress content management system, allowing site administrators to add interactive display elements without needing to write custom code.

How does CVE-2026-39465 create a vulnerability?

This CVE involves a security weakness known as CWE-94, or Improper Control of Generation of Code. In plain terms, the plugin fails to properly restrict how files are handled or processed. Because of this flaw, the software can be manipulated into executing unauthorized commands, effectively allowing an attacker to run their own code on the server where the website is hosted.

What must happen for this bug to be triggered?

To trigger this vulnerability, an attacker must have administrative-level access to the WordPress site. They specifically need to interact with the plugin's file editor functionality to upload a malicious file. Simply visiting the website or viewing a slider as a regular visitor does not trigger this issue; it requires a specific, authenticated action within the plugin's administrative settings.

Is my website at risk from this vulnerability?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is particularly relevant because the plugin is frequently used on public-facing web applications. Since these components are designed to be reachable via standard web traffic, any site running an affected version of the plugin is considered exposed to potential network-based interaction.

What steps should I take if I use this plugin?

Your first step is to inventory your WordPress installations to identify exactly where the MetaSlider plugin is active. Once identified, evaluate the plugin's role in your business operations and confirm if it is externally reachable. Coordinate with your platform or web management teams to verify your current version and prepare to apply any available security updates or disable the plugin if necessary.

References

Sources and related resources

Primary sources: NVD, CVE.org.

NVDPublished