Security advisory — 22 October 2026. Two critical PHP vulnerabilities have been reported. If your business website runs on WordPress, now is a good time to check the software beneath it — not just your WordPress plugins.
Why WordPress owners should pay attention
WordPress relies on PHP to run. That means a security problem in PHP can matter even when your WordPress dashboard shows that WordPress, themes and plugins are up to date. Whether a particular site is exposed depends on its PHP build, server configuration and the patches applied by its hosting provider.
What has been reported
On 21 October 2026, DigitalOcean circulated an advisory describing two critical PHP remote code execution vulnerabilities: CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619. The advisory warns that exploitation could allow an attacker to execute code on an affected server. This is a PHP security advisory, not an announcement of a vulnerability in WordPress core. Check the linked vendor advisories for applicability and the latest remediation details.
How to check your WordPress PHP version
In WordPress, open Tools → Site Health → Info → Server and look for the PHP version. This identifies the runtime version reported by WordPress, but it does not necessarily establish whether your hosting provider has applied a back-ported security fix. Ask your host for confirmation of the relevant PHP security updates.
What should you do now?
Make a verified backup of the site and database before making changes. Check the PHP version and the hosting provider’s patch status. Apply the vendor’s security updates or arrange a supported PHP upgrade, testing theme and plugin compatibility first. Update WordPress core, themes and plugins too, but remember those updates are not a substitute for PHP patches. Review administrator access, monitoring, and security logs, especially if you suspect compromise.
What if you use shared or managed WordPress hosting?
Your hosting provider may manage PHP updates for you. Contact them and ask whether the relevant PHP vulnerabilities are patched on your account, including through distribution or vendor back-ports. A displayed PHP version alone may not tell the full story.
Can a firewall or security plugin solve it?
A web application firewall and a WordPress security plugin can provide useful additional protections, but neither should be treated as a replacement for patching a vulnerable PHP runtime.
How Proweb can help
Not sure whether your website is affected? Proweb can help review your WordPress installation, hosting environment, PHP patch status, backups and update plan. We can also assist with testing and deploying necessary changes with care to minimise disruption. Contact Proweb to request a WordPress security review.
References and further reading
Information is based on the DigitalOcean customer advisory dated 21 October 2026. Verify patch applicability and current guidance with your hosting provider or PHP vendor.
