CVE-2026-77693 in Order Tip for WooCommerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2026
The Order Tip for WooCommerce WordPress plugin before 1.6.0 does not check the capability of the user requesting a file deletion, nor does it restrict which path may be deleted, allowing users with the Shop Manager role and above to delete arbitrary files on the server, which could lead to the site being taken over.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2026
The vulnerability identified in Order Tip for WooCommerce prior to version 1.6.0 represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms within the WordPress plugin ecosystem. This flaw specifically affects users possessing the Shop Manager role or higher privileges, such as Administrators. In standard WordPress architecture, these roles are intended to manage store operations and orders but should not possess unrestricted server-level file system permissions. The core issue lies in the lack of proper capability verification when handling requests related to file deletion. Typically, a secure implementation would verify that the requesting user has explicit permission to perform the specific action on the targeted resource. In this case, the plugin fails to validate whether the user is authorized to delete files through its administrative interface or API endpoints, creating an authorization bypass scenario where privilege expectations are not enforced by the application logic.
Beyond the lack of capability checks, the vulnerability involves a critical absence of path validation and sanitization regarding file deletion operations. The software does not restrict which paths may be targeted for removal, allowing attackers to manipulate input parameters to specify arbitrary file locations on the server's filesystem. This behavior is characteristic of an Unrestricted File Deletion flaw, often categorized under CWE-732 in the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. By leveraging this weakness, a malicious actor can construct requests that point to sensitive system files or configuration files outside the intended plugin directory structure. The ability to delete arbitrary files undermines the integrity and availability of the web server environment, as critical components required for site functionality can be permanently removed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and extends beyond simple data loss. An attacker with Shop Manager privileges who exploits this flaw can systematically remove essential WordPress core files, theme assets, or database configuration scripts such as wp-config.php. The deletion of these files typically results in a complete denial of service for the website, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. Furthermore, if specific security-related files are removed, the site may become vulnerable to further attacks that rely on missing protections. In more complex attack chains, this file manipulation capability can serve as a precursor to full server compromise, especially if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in the hosting environment. The potential for site takeover is significant because the attacker effectively controls the state of the application by removing its foundational components.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate remediation and future hardening practices. The primary recommendation is to upgrade Order Tip for WooCommerce to version 1.6.0 or later, where these access control checks have been implemented. For organizations unable to update immediately due to compatibility constraints, temporary mitigations should include restricting the Shop Manager role's capabilities using security plugins that allow granular permission management, effectively removing their ability to trigger file operations within vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, server-side hardening measures such as implementing strict file permissions and utilizing Web Application Firewalls can help detect or block anomalous deletion requests targeting sensitive paths. Regular audits of plugin code for adherence to WordPress coding standards regarding capability checks are essential to prevent similar issues in other plugins.
From a threat intelligence perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to Impact actions, specifically Data Destruction and Service Stop. Attackers often exploit such authorization flaws as part of ransomware campaigns or competitive sabotage where disrupting business operations is the primary goal rather than data exfiltration. The lack of input validation for file paths also touches upon CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, highlighting that even authenticated users must have their inputs strictly constrained to expected parameters. Security teams should monitor server logs for unusual patterns of file deletions originating from WordPress administrative interfaces and ensure that backup strategies are robust enough to restore operations quickly in the event of such an incident occurring before patches are applied.