CVE-2026-12277 in Frontend File Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/07/2026
The Frontend File Manager Plugin WordPress plugin through 23.6 does not validate a file path derived from user input before deleting the referenced file, allowing unauthenticated users to delete arbitrary files on the server (such as wp-config.php) when guest upload mode is enabled. Deleting wp-config.php forces the site into its setup routine, which can be leveraged toward a full site takeover.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2026
The vulnerability resides in the Frontend File Manager WordPress plugin version 23.6 and earlier, where insufficient input validation creates a critical path traversal flaw that enables arbitrary file deletion by unauthenticated attackers. This issue specifically manifests when guest upload mode is enabled, removing any access restrictions that would normally prevent unauthorized file operations. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths derived from user-supplied input before executing deletion commands, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to target system files including the crucial wp-config.php configuration file.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a predictable pattern where attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. When guest upload mode is active, the plugin's file handling mechanisms become vulnerable to path manipulation attacks, allowing adversaries to specify arbitrary file paths for deletion. The absence of proper input validation means that user-provided file paths are directly passed to the underlying file system operations without adequate sanitization or authorization checks. This creates a scenario where attackers can target sensitive files such as wp-config.php which contains database credentials and other critical configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion to full site compromise. When an attacker successfully deletes wp-config.php, the WordPress installation loses its essential configuration settings and enters a setup routine that can be manipulated by the attacker. This forced reinstallation process provides multiple attack vectors including the ability to create new administrator accounts with known credentials, modify database connections, or install malicious code during the setup process. The vulnerability essentially transforms a simple file deletion into a complete system takeover opportunity, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations.
Security professionals should consider this issue in the context of CWE-22 which defines path traversal vulnerabilities, and its implications within the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with common security misconfigurations leading to privilege escalation. Organizations should immediately disable guest upload functionality if not required, implement proper file access controls, and conduct thorough security audits of all WordPress plugins and themes. The recommended mitigations include updating to patched versions of the plugin, implementing web application firewalls to detect suspicious path traversal patterns, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file system modifications. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that no other plugins exhibit similar path validation weaknesses that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability to achieve broader system compromise.