CVE-2026-77017 in Workeera Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/27/2026
The Workeera WordPress plugin before 1.0.6 does not restrict which profile values a candidate may submit, nor confine the stored file location to an allowed directory before serving it, allowing users with a role as low as subscriber to read arbitrary files on the server, including its configuration file and authentication secrets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2026
The vulnerability identified in Workeera WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.0.6 represents a critical security flaw rooted in insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms. This issue specifically affects how the plugin handles user-submitted profile data, particularly regarding file uploads or references within candidate profiles. The core technical deficiency lies in the absence of strict constraints on which profile values can be submitted by users. Furthermore, the system fails to confine stored files to a designated allowed directory before serving them back to clients. This combination of flaws creates an environment where malicious actors with minimal privileges can manipulate file paths and access sensitive server resources that should remain inaccessible.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Improper Access Control and CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting if the stored files are executed as scripts, though in this specific context, it primarily manifests as CWE-530 Exposure of Backup File to an Unauthorized Actor or more accurately CWE-611 Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference if applicable, but most directly aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal. The attacker exploits the lack of directory confinement by manipulating file paths in profile submissions. By injecting relative path sequences such as dot-dot-slash characters into the input fields associated with candidate profiles, an authenticated user can traverse up the server's directory structure. This allows them to reference files located outside the intended upload or storage directories, effectively bypassing standard WordPress security boundaries that typically isolate plugin data from core system files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its low privilege requirement. Users with a subscriber role, which is often one of the lowest levels of access in WordPress installations and frequently granted to casual visitors or new users during registration processes, can exploit this flaw. Once exploited, these attackers gain the ability to read arbitrary files on the server. This includes highly sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials, authentication keys, and salts. The exposure of authentication secrets significantly compromises the integrity of the entire WordPress installation. Attackers can use these stolen credentials to perform brute-force attacks against administrative accounts, escalate privileges by gaining access to the admin dashboard, or exfiltrate sensitive user data stored in the database using the retrieved connection details.
This vulnerability aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK techniques relevant to web application exploitation and credential harvesting. Specifically, it relates to T1504 Web Shell as a potential follow-on action if file upload capabilities are also compromised, but primarily maps to T1078 Valid Accounts for initial access via low-privilege accounts and T1213 Data from Information Repositories when accessing configuration files. The exploitation path involves leveraging valid credentials (even at the subscriber level) to interact with vulnerable endpoints, followed by data exfiltration of sensitive system information. This behavior is consistent with early-stage reconnaissance activities where attackers gather intelligence about the server environment before attempting more intrusive actions like remote code execution or full site takeover.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching and enhanced input validation practices. The primary remediation step is to upgrade the Workeera WordPress plugin to version 1.0.6 or later, which addresses these access control deficiencies by implementing strict allowlists for profile values and enforcing directory confinement for stored files. In addition to updating software, administrators should implement Web Application Firewall rules that detect and block path traversal attempts in HTTP requests targeting plugin endpoints. It is also advisable to review user roles within the WordPress installation, ensuring that only necessary users have access to features involving file handling or profile customization. Regular security audits focusing on input validation logic across all active plugins will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into the environment.