CVE-2026-12511 in AI Engine Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
The AI Engine WordPress plugin before 3.5.5 does not sanitize a user-supplied filename before using it to write a downloaded file, allowing authenticated users with editor-level access to write attacker-controlled bytes to an arbitrary location on the server via path traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2026
The vulnerability exists within the AI Engine WordPress plugin version 3.5.4 and earlier, where insufficient input validation occurs during file handling operations. This flaw allows authenticated users with editor privileges to manipulate file paths through maliciously crafted filenames, creating a path traversal condition that enables arbitrary file writing capabilities on the affected server. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied filename data before utilizing it in file system operations, directly violating secure coding practices and establishing a significant attack surface for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's handling of downloaded files where user input is directly incorporated into file path construction without proper sanitization or validation. When an editor-level user triggers a download operation with a crafted filename containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the plugin processes these sequences without proper mitigation, resulting in the creation of files at unintended locations on the server filesystem. This behavior aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerabilities and represents a classic example of insecure file handling that enables attackers to write malicious content to arbitrary directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with persistent access to the server environment through file system manipulation. An attacker with editor privileges can leverage this weakness to upload backdoors, web shells, or other malicious payloads to critical system locations such as wp-content directories, plugin folders, or even core WordPress directories. This capability allows for long-term persistence and potential lateral movement within the compromised environment, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations where editors often have legitimate access to content management features.
The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious file upload requests, compromised editor accounts, or social engineering tactics that gain access to editor-level credentials. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent footholds by writing files to locations such as wp-content/uploads, plugin directories, or even core WordPress folders where they can execute code or maintain access across system reboots. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate user privileges to achieve unauthorized file system modifications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to version 3.5.5 or later where the sanitization issue has been addressed through proper input validation and path normalization. Organizations should implement strict file upload restrictions and validate all user-supplied data against whitelisted safe characters and patterns before any file operations occur. Additional security measures include implementing web application firewalls with content filtering capabilities, monitoring for suspicious file creation patterns, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also involve restricting editor privileges where possible and implementing principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential impact from compromised accounts.