CVE-2025-12092 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22, affecting the CYAN Backup plugin for WordPress up to version 2.5.4. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's 'delete' functionality, where insufficient validation of file paths allows an authenticated user with administrator privileges to delete arbitrary files on the server. This improper limitation of pathname enables attackers to specify paths outside the intended backup directories, potentially deleting critical system or application files such as wp-config.php. Deletion of such files can lead to remote code execution, as attackers may disrupt WordPress configuration or replace files with malicious payloads. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require high-level privileges, limiting exploitation to trusted users or compromised admin accounts. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and high impact on integrity and availability but no impact on confidentiality. No public exploits are known at this time, and no official patches have been released yet. The vulnerability was reserved on 2025-10-22 and published on 2025-11-08. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments for backup purposes, making this vulnerability relevant for many web servers running WordPress. The attack surface is limited to authenticated administrators, but the consequences of exploitation can be severe, including full site compromise and potential lateral movement within hosting environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity and availability of WordPress-based web assets. Organizations relying on CYAN Backup for critical website backups may face service disruption if attackers delete essential files, leading to website downtime and potential data loss. The ability to delete wp-config.php or other critical files can facilitate remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy malware. This can impact e-commerce platforms, government portals, and other public-facing services, potentially causing reputational damage and regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is affected. Since exploitation requires administrator privileges, the threat is heightened if internal accounts are compromised or insider threats exist. The medium CVSS score indicates a moderate but non-negligible risk, especially for organizations with inadequate internal access controls or monitoring. Recovery may require restoration from clean backups and forensic investigation, increasing operational costs and downtime.

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting administrator access to trusted personnel and enforcing strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Organizations should monitor logs for unusual file deletion activities within the WordPress environment. Until an official patch is released, administrators can manually review and harden the plugin code by implementing strict validation of file paths in the delete functionality to prevent traversal sequences (e.g., '..'). Deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the backup deletion endpoint can provide additional protection. Regular backups should be maintained independently of the plugin to ensure recovery capability. Post-patch, organizations must promptly update the CYAN Backup plugin to the fixed version. Additionally, conducting periodic security audits and penetration tests focusing on WordPress plugins can help identify similar vulnerabilities proactively.