CVE-2017-20091 in File Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2022
A vulnerability was found in File Manager Plugin 3.0.1. It has been classified as problematic. This affects an unknown part. The manipulation leads to cross-site request forgery. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2026
The vulnerability identified in File Manager Plugin version 3.0.1 represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw that exposes systems to remote exploitation. This classification as problematic indicates significant security implications for affected environments, particularly those utilizing WordPress platforms where this plugin is deployed. The unspecified affected component suggests the vulnerability exists within core functionality of the file management system rather than specific user interface elements or administrative panels.
The technical nature of this csrf vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of request origins and lack of proper anti-forgery token implementation within the plugin's request processing mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that appear legitimate to the target system, leveraging the trust relationship between the user's browser and the vulnerable plugin. The remote attack vector eliminates the need for physical access or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized file operations including upload, delete, and modification actions within the affected system. The consequences can range from data corruption and loss to complete system compromise depending on the privileges granted to the plugin's functionality. Organizations may experience service disruption, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties if exploited successfully.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the File Manager Plugin to version 3.0.2 or later where the csrf vulnerability has been addressed. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious cross-site request patterns. The implementation of proper anti-forgery tokens, origin validation checks, and comprehensive input sanitization represents the fundamental defense mechanisms required to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress installations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. The attack pattern follows typical csrf methodologies documented in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1566 for credential access and T1499 for data destruction. Security teams should monitor threat intelligence feeds for exploitation attempts targeting this specific plugin version and implement comprehensive logging to detect unauthorized file management activities.
The remote exploitation capability of this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor security flaws in third-party plugins can create significant attack surfaces within enterprise environments. Organizations must maintain rigorous patch management processes and conduct regular security audits of their web applications to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited by malicious actors. The interconnected nature of modern web applications means that a single compromised plugin can potentially expose entire network infrastructures to unauthorized access and data manipulation attempts.