CVE-2018-7422 in Site Editor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
A Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Site Editor plugin through 1.1.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to retrieve arbitrary files via the ajax_path parameter to editor/extensions/pagebuilder/includes/ajax_shortcode_pattern.php, aka absolute path traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The CVE-2018-7422 vulnerability represents a critical local file inclusion flaw within the Site Editor plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to 1.1.1. This vulnerability resides in the ajax_shortcode_pattern.php file located within the editor/extensions/pagebuilder/includes directory structure. The flaw manifests through the ajax_path parameter which is improperly validated and sanitized, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal issue that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data and system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the WordPress plugin's ajax_path parameter processing. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing a malicious path value through the ajax_path parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it in file operations. This creates a direct path traversal condition where the application interprets user-supplied input as a legitimate file path, enabling access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the WordPress ecosystem and represents a classic example of insecure file handling practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7422 extends beyond simple file retrieval capabilities to potentially compromise entire WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive system data that may be stored within the web server's file structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a common attack vector that has been documented in numerous security assessments and penetration testing scenarios.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as attackers can use this flaw to systematically enumerate and extract sensitive information from compromised systems. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper access controls within web applications, particularly those built on content management systems like WordPress where plugins can introduce additional attack surfaces. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching and remediation efforts, as the vulnerability affects a widely used plugin and has been actively exploited in the wild. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions, web application firewalls, and regular security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts while waiting for official patches to be deployed across affected systems.