CVE-2025-2004 in Simple WP Events Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/08/2025
The Simple WP Events plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the wpe_delete_file AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 1.8.17. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-2004 affects the Simple WP Events plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of affected systems. This weakness resides within the plugin's handling of file operations through the wpe_delete_file AJAX action, which is designed to manage file deletion processes within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability specifically manifests in versions up to and including 1.8.17, making a substantial portion of the plugin's user base susceptible to exploitation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize file paths before processing deletion requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the system's file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the lack of proper path validation by crafting malicious requests that target arbitrary files on the web server. When the wpe_delete_file AJAX endpoint receives a request, it processes the file path without sufficient validation checks to ensure the requested file exists within the expected directory structure. This absence of proper access controls and path sanitization means that an unauthenticated attacker can specify any file path within the server's file system, potentially leading to the deletion of critical system files. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected WordPress site.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it creates a potential pathway to complete system compromise. When attackers successfully delete critical files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and security keys, they can gain significant control over the WordPress installation and potentially the entire server infrastructure. This type of attack aligns with the common exploitation patterns documented in the attack technique matrix where initial access through a web application vulnerability leads to privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses the issue of insufficient validation of file paths that can lead to directory traversal attacks.
The implications of this vulnerability within the broader security landscape highlight the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute a wide range of malicious activities including data destruction, system compromise, and potentially establishing persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector when combined with the ability to delete critical configuration files underscores the need for comprehensive security measures beyond traditional patch management. Organizations using the Simple WP Events plugin must consider implementing network-level protections and monitoring for suspicious file deletion activities, as well as ensuring that all WordPress installations maintain current security patches and follow the principle of least privilege when configuring file system permissions.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through plugin updates to versions that address the file path validation issues. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it critical to implement defensive measures including web application firewalls, regular security audits, and monitoring for unauthorized file deletion activities. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potential vulnerabilities that may exist in similar components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses within the application architecture. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security controls to protect against exploitation of known vulnerabilities in content management systems and web applications.