CVE-2023-2688 in File Upload Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2023
The WordPress File Upload and WordPress File Upload Pro plugins for WordPress are vulnerable to Path Traversal in versions up to, and including, 4.19.1 via the vulnerable parameter wfu_newpath. This allows administrator-level attackers to move files uploaded with the plugin (located in wp-content/uploads by default) outside of the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2688 affects the WordPress File Upload and WordPress File Upload Pro plugins, representing a critical path traversal flaw that has significant implications for WordPress site security. This vulnerability specifically targets versions up to and including 4.19.1, where the plugin fails to properly validate user input in the wfu_newpath parameter. The flaw enables authenticated attackers with administrator privileges to manipulate file paths and move uploaded files outside of the designated web root directory, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries that protect uploaded content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's file handling mechanisms. When an administrator interacts with the plugin's file management features, the wfu_newpath parameter receives user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization. This allows attackers to craft malicious paths that traverse directories beyond the intended upload location. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, enabling attackers to move files from their default wp-content/uploads directory to arbitrary locations on the server, potentially exposing sensitive files or allowing for further exploitation. This type of vulnerability is classified as a path traversal attack under CWE-22, which specifically addresses the improper restriction of pathname characters or components that can lead to unauthorized access to files and directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-2688 extends beyond simple file movement, creating a potential attack vector for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can move uploaded files to locations where they might be executable or accessible through web requests, potentially leading to remote code execution or information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrator-level access, which represents a high privilege escalation scenario in most WordPress environments. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate the file system to their advantage, potentially creating backdoors, accessing sensitive data, or compromising other parts of the WordPress installation. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials and T1566.001 which covers spearphishing attachments, as administrators may be tricked into performing actions that trigger this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-2688 should begin with immediate plugin updates to versions that address the path traversal vulnerability, as vendors typically release patches that properly validate and sanitize the wfu_newpath parameter. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitoring of administrator activities, particularly file management operations. Network segmentation and proper file system permissions can help limit the impact if an attacker does gain administrator access. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of uploaded files and verify that no malicious files have been moved outside of the intended upload directories. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against similar path traversal attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potentially vulnerable components within the WordPress ecosystem that may present similar attack surfaces.