The WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.2 This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-level access and above, to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php). This is possible because 'original-file' is a public (non-protected) meta key — it does not begin with an underscore — allowing Authors to freely create or modify it on their own attachment posts via the standard Edit Media form or the REST API.
CVE-2026-7252 is a high severity with CVSS 8.1 Remote Code Execution issue affecting the Plugin WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance. It affects Versions up to 4.5.2 and is fixed in 4.5.3.
Use the related hub and response guides to connect this CVE-2026-7252 report with patch validation, scanner checks, and site hardening work.
Open the grouped hub for related CVEs, affected ranges, severity mix, and patch coverage.
Check access, XML-RPC exposure, backup readiness, and monitoring after patching.
Use containment, evidence capture, remediation, and validation steps when exploit risk is high.
CVE-2026-7252 is tracked for the Plugin WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance as high severity with CVSS 8.1. The affected range is Versions up to 4.5.2. Update WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance to 4.5.3 or newer where that version is compatible with the site.
Search engines and operators need more than a title. This page exposes the identifier, affected range, patch evidence, and source coverage that make the vulnerability actionable.
This report has a CVE identifier, which makes it suitable for focused search and vulnerability triage workflows.
Affected version data gives operators a concrete comparison point against installed WordPress software.
A fixed version is present, so the page can answer update and remediation intent directly.
External references are available for source validation, advisory review, and incident notes.
Use these checks when converting this record into a patch ticket, incident note, or risk acceptance decision.
Inventory the installed Plugin package and compare its version with Versions up to 4.5.2.
Confirm WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance is updated to 4.5.3 or newer.
Review references and CVSS vector details for exploitability, authentication requirements, and exposure path.
After patching, re-run vulnerability monitoring and keep the related plugin or theme hub under review for follow-up CVEs.
| Software Type | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Software Slug |
wp-optimize
View on wordpress.org
|
| CVE | CVE-2026-7252 |
| Patched Versions |
4.5.3
|
| Affected Versions |
Versions up to 4.5.2
|
These internal links group the same WordPress plugin by CVE, issue type, severity, and patch status so operators and search engines can connect the full vulnerability cluster.
WP-Optimize <= 4.5.0 - Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Plugin Settings Update and Image Manipulation
WP-Optimize <= 4.1.1 - Authenticated (Admin+) SQL Injection
WP-Optimize <= 3.2.11 - Cross-Site Request Forgery
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