CVE-2018-25326 in Google Drive Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2026
Google Drive for WordPress 2.2 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by injecting directory traversal sequences in the file_name parameter. Attackers can send POST requests to gdrive-ajaxs.php with the ajaxstype parameter set to del_fl_bkp and file_name containing traversal sequences ../../wp-config.php to access sensitive configuration files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2026
This vulnerability resides in the Google Drive for WordPress plugin version 2.2 and represents a critical path traversal flaw that undermines the security boundaries of the affected web application. The vulnerability manifests through the gdrive-ajaxs.php endpoint which accepts user input via the file_name parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. When attackers manipulate the ajaxstype parameter to del_fl_bkp and inject directory traversal sequences such as ../../wp-config.php, they can bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive configuration files from the WordPress installation directory. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Accessing Data through Path Traversal, where adversaries exploit insufficient input validation to access restricted files on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal privileges since it does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. The attacker can construct malicious POST requests that target the specific endpoint and parameter combination, allowing them to navigate up the directory structure and access files that should remain protected. The wp-config.php file contains critical database credentials, security keys, and other sensitive configuration data that could enable attackers to escalate their privileges and gain full control over the WordPress installation. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct pathway to extract the most sensitive information from the target system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the WordPress site and any associated databases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for further exploitation within the WordPress ecosystem. Once attackers obtain the wp-config.php file, they can extract database connection details to directly access the underlying database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of content, or even the installation of malicious code through database manipulation. The vulnerability also exposes the potential for attackers to discover other sensitive files such as .htaccess configurations, backup files, or plugin-specific configuration data that could reveal additional attack vectors. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability enables techniques such as T1566 Credential Access through Path Traversal and T1078 Valid Accounts, as attackers can use the extracted credentials to maintain persistence or escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Google Drive for WordPress plugin to version 2.3 or later, which addresses this specific path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at the application level to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, particularly when handling user-supplied file names. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for suspicious patterns in the file_name parameter. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization in web applications, particularly when dealing with file system operations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in content management systems.