CVE-2022-4030 in SimplePress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2022
The Simple:Press plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in versions up to, and including, 6.8 via the 'file' parameter which can be manipulated during user avatar deletion. This makes it possible with attackers, with minimal permissions such as a subscriber, to supply paths to arbitrary files on the server that will subsequently be deleted. This can be used to delete the wp-config.php file that can allow an attacker to configure the site and achieve remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The Simple:Press plugin for WordPress represents a widely used forum solution that has been identified with a critical path traversal vulnerability affecting versions up to and including 6.8. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's avatar deletion functionality, specifically targeting the 'file' parameter that controls which files are removed from the server. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of user-supplied file paths during the avatar deletion process, creating a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate the system to target arbitrary files beyond the intended scope of user avatar management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal, as the plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths before executing deletion operations. Attackers with minimal privileges such as subscriber accounts can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences like '../' in the file parameter. This manipulation allows them to navigate the file system and target sensitive files that should remain protected from user access. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it bypasses typical WordPress permission controls, enabling low-privilege users to perform destructive operations that would normally require administrator credentials.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend far beyond simple file deletion, as demonstrated by the potential to target critical system files such as wp-config.php. When an attacker successfully deletes this configuration file, they effectively remove the WordPress site's database connection details, authentication keys, and other essential configuration parameters. This action creates an opportunity for attackers to reconfigure the site according to their malicious intent, potentially leading to complete system compromise and remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability essentially provides a foothold for attackers to escalate their privileges and establish persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that have addressed the path traversal flaw through proper input sanitization and validation. Organizations must implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins and themes remain current with security fixes. Additional protective measures include restricting file system permissions for WordPress directories, implementing web application firewalls with path traversal detection capabilities, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages minimal user privileges to execute destructive operations and potentially establish persistent access through configuration file manipulation. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized deletions of critical configuration files and establish robust backup procedures to ensure rapid recovery from such attacks.