CVE-2026-13693 in Bit Form Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2026
The Bit Form WordPress plugin before 3.1.0 does not restrict a form file-field value to a safe path before reading the file and attaching it to a notification email, allowing unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary server files such as the WordPress configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2026
The Bit Form WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw that enables unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive server files through improper input validation in the form file-field handling mechanism. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.1.0 and stems from insufficient sanitization of file paths submitted through form fields, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the file reading process and extract arbitrary files from the server filesystem. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin processes form attachments without adequately validating or restricting the file paths specified by users, allowing malicious input to bypass normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly validate file paths submitted through form fields before attempting to read and attach those files to notification emails. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious file path inputs that reference sensitive server files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and other critical configuration information. The vulnerability operates at the application level and leverages the plugin's legitimate file attachment functionality to achieve unauthorized data access. This type of flaw falls under CWE-22 Path Traversal and specifically relates to CWE-73 External Control of File Name or Path, where user-supplied input directly influences file system operations without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to critical system configuration files that can serve as a foundation for further exploitation. When an attacker successfully reads the wp-config.php file, they gain access to database credentials, security keys, and other sensitive information that can be used to compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects unauthenticated users, meaning that no login or administrative privileges are required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments where the plugin is deployed. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as it involves extracting sensitive data from application repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's file handling code. The recommended approach includes validating all user-supplied file paths against a whitelist of allowed directories or implementing proper path normalization techniques to prevent directory traversal attacks. Additionally, restricting the plugin's file attachment capabilities to only allow specific file types and ensuring that file operations occur within designated safe directories can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable plugins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in file handling operations and demonstrates how seemingly benign functionality can become a security risk when proper safeguards are not implemented. Patching to version 3.1.0 or later resolves the issue by implementing proper path validation mechanisms that prevent arbitrary file reads through form field manipulation.