CVE-2026-94238 Loco Translate CVE debrief

Who should care

Defenders managing WordPress installations with the Loco Translate plugin, especially those with users having translator capabilities, should assess exposure and prioritize remediation.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-94238 in Loco Translate WordPress plugin allows users with translator capability to read files from anywhere on the server. Defenders should verify and remediate this vulnerability, especially in installations with untrusted users having such capabilities.

• Potential unauthorized file disclosure for files accessible to the web server user.
• Possible information leakage about server configuration or sensitive data.
• Verification of translator capability restrictions and file access controls is necessary.
• Remediation priority for updating to version 2.8.9 or later.

Technical summary

The Loco Translate WordPress plugin before 2.8.9 does not restrict which file paths its translation file routes will read, allowing users granted the translator capability to retrieve the contents of files of certain types from anywhere on the server, including outside the web root. This vulnerability can lead to potential unauthorized file disclosure and information leakage about server configuration or sensitive data. Defenders should prioritize verifying and remediating this vulnerability in their WordPress installations, especially those with untrusted users having translator capabilities.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize verifying and remediating this vulnerability in their WordPress installations, especially those with untrusted users having translator capabilities.

Recommended defensive actions

• Verify the Loco Translate WordPress plugin version and update to 2.8.9 or later if necessary.
• Restrict translator capabilities to trusted users only.
• Monitor server logs for potential unauthorized file access attempts.
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified.
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review.
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented.
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up.

Evidence notes

The vulnerability allows users with translator capability to read files of certain types from anywhere on the server. This issue exists in Loco Translate WordPress plugin before version 2.8.9. The vulnerability is confirmed by the CVE Program and detailed in the NIST NVD. Defenders should verify the plugin version and restrict translator capabilities to trusted users only.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.