CVE-2026-18465 in WP MAPS PRO Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/09/2026
The WP MAPS PRO WordPress plugin before 6.1.3 does not perform a capability check in one of its AJAX actions, which is also available to unauthenticated users, and does not properly validate a user-controlled path before using it in a file inclusion, allowing unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2026
The WP MAPS PRO WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations through improper access controls and unsafe file handling practices. This issue affects versions prior to 613 and specifically targets the plugin's AJAX endpoint which lacks proper capability verification mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's architecture where an AJAX action designed for authenticated users is also accessible to unauthenticated attackers, creating an unauthorized access vector that bypasses standard WordPress security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on a dangerous combination of insufficient authentication checks and inadequate input validation. Attackers can leverage the exposed AJAX endpoint to manipulate file paths through user-controlled parameters, bypassing normal file inclusion restrictions. This flaw enables arbitrary local file inclusion attacks where malicious actors can specify PHP files existing on the target server for execution. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates without proper capability verification, allowing anyone to access functionality typically restricted to authorized users.
Operationally this vulnerability creates a severe threat landscape for WordPress installations using affected versions of the WP MAPS PRO plugin. An unauthenticated attacker can potentially execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, leading to complete system compromise through persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that could allow attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks, and CWE-89 which covers SQL injection vulnerabilities but extends to similar unsafe parameter handling principles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to T1059.007 for executed commands through PHP and potentially T1566 for initial access via web application exploitation. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance of vulnerable WordPress installations followed by exploitation of the unauthenticated AJAX endpoint and subsequent arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 6.1.3 or later where the capability checks have been properly implemented. Administrators must also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to AJAX endpoints, employ web application firewalls to detect suspicious path traversal patterns, and conduct regular security audits of installed plugins. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual file inclusion patterns in server logs, implementing proper file permissions to restrict executable access to sensitive files, and maintaining updated vulnerability scanners that can detect such misconfigurations in WordPress environments.