CVE-2016-20064 in WP Vault
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2026
WP Vault 0.8.6.6 contains a local file inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by exploiting an unescaped parameter in the include functionality. Attackers can supply directory traversal sequences through the wpv-image GET parameter to access sensitive files like system configuration and credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2026
The vulnerability in WP Vault version 0.8.6.6 represents a critical local file inclusion flaw that exposes systems to unauthorized file access through improper input validation. This weakness exists within the plugin's include functionality where user-supplied parameters are not adequately sanitized or escaped before being processed. The specific vulnerability manifests through the wpv-image GET parameter which accepts directory traversal sequences without proper validation, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths and access sensitive system resources. The flaw directly enables arbitrary file reading capabilities that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers to extract confidential information from the target system.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic path traversal attack vector where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into file system operations. The absence of input sanitization creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious sequences such as ../ or ../../ to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access restricted files. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as any remote user can exploit the flaw to gain unauthorized access to system files. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise entire system security postures. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access critical system files including configuration files that may contain database credentials, API keys, and other sensitive authentication information. The exposure of such data can lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. Additionally, the ability to read arbitrary files may reveal application source code, which could expose additional vulnerabilities or provide insights into the system architecture for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can systematically enumerate and extract sensitive data from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. System administrators should ensure that the WP Vault plugin is updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched. Input parameter validation should include strict filtering of special characters and path traversal sequences to prevent malicious input from being processed. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file permissions can limit the damage that could occur if such vulnerabilities are exploited. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and plugins that may be susceptible to the same class of attacks.