ShortPixel Image Optimizer Plugin up to 6.4.2 on WordPress loadFile path traversal

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in ShortPixel Image Optimizer Plugin up to 6.4.2 on WordPress. The affected element is an unknown function. The manipulation of the argument loadFile leads to path traversal. This vulnerability is documented as CVE-2026-1246. The attack can be initiated remotely. There is not any exploit available.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in ShortPixel Image Optimizer Plugin up to 6.4.2 on WordPress and classified as problematic. This issue affects an unknown functionality. The manipulation of the argument loadFile with an unknown input leads to a path traversal vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-22. The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory. Impacted is confidentiality. The summary by CVE is:

The ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read via path traversal in the 'loadFile' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 6.4.2 due to insufficient path validation and sanitization in the 'loadLogFile' AJAX action. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Editor-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information such as database credentials and authentication keys.

The weakness was released by Rafał. It is possible to read the advisory at wordfence.com. The identification of this vulnerability is CVE-2026-1246 since 01/20/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploitation needs additional levels of successful authentication. Technical details of the vulnerability are known, but there is no available exploit. The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1006 according to MITRE ATT&CK.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• WordPress Plugin

Vendor

• ShortPixel

Name

• Image Optimizer Plugin

Version

• 6.4.0
• 6.4.1
• 6.4.2

CPE 2.3info

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CPE 2.2info

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Entryinfo

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