CVE-2025-7643 in Attachment Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2025
The Attachment Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the handle_actions() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.2. 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 • 07/22/2025
The Attachment Manager plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2025-7643 that stems from inadequate input validation within its handle_actions() function. This flaw affects all versions up to and including 2.1.2, creating a significant risk for WordPress installations that rely on this plugin for media management operations. The vulnerability operates at the core of file system interaction where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed as file paths, enabling attackers to manipulate the system's file handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the insufficient file path validation by crafting malicious requests that target specific file deletion operations. When the handle_actions() function processes these requests, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the file paths provided by the user, enabling an attacker to specify any file path within the server's file system. This lack of proper validation creates a path traversal condition that can be leveraged to delete any file accessible to the web server process, with particularly dangerous implications for system-critical files such as wp-config.php which contains database credentials and cryptographic keys.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution when attackers target critical system files. The deletion of wp-config.php or similar configuration files can result in complete system compromise, as the web application loses access to essential database connections and security parameters. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal, representing a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through path traversal, potentially enabling attackers to achieve persistent access and further compromise within the target environment.
Organizations using the Attachment Manager plugin must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to the latest available version that contains proper input validation and file path sanitization. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting file system permissions for web server processes, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file deletion attempts, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated plugin to ensure compatibility with existing site functionality while maintaining security posture against similar vulnerabilities in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.