CVE-2025-2636: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in instawp InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration
The InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.0.85 via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where php file types can be uploaded and included, or are already present on the filesystem locally. There are currently no known vulnerabilities in this plugin that make file upload possible, meaning this won't be exploitable to achieve remote code execution on most instances with just this plugin alone. Another vulnerability would need to be present on the site allowing arbitrary file upload in order to leverage this to achieve remote code execution.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-2636 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration WordPress plugin versions up to 0.1.0.85. It arises from improper limitation of pathname input via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter, enabling local file inclusion. An unauthenticated attacker can include and execute arbitrary files on the server, including PHP code, if such files exist or can be uploaded through other vulnerabilities. This vulnerability can lead to bypassing access controls, data disclosure, or code execution. However, since the plugin itself does not allow arbitrary file uploads, remote code execution is not achievable solely through this flaw. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patch is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to local file inclusion allowing execution of arbitrary PHP code if attacker-controlled files are present on the server. This can result in bypassing access controls, disclosure of sensitive information, and potential code execution. However, without an additional file upload vulnerability, remote code execution is unlikely. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability as indicated by the CVSS vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or patch is currently available, users should monitor vendor communications for updates. Mitigation may require restricting access to the vulnerable parameter or disabling the plugin until a fix is released. No generic mitigations are recommended beyond this due to the specific nature of the vulnerability.
CVE-2025-2636: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in instawp InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration
Description
The InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.0.85 via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where php file types can be uploaded and included, or are already present on the filesystem locally. There are currently no known vulnerabilities in this plugin that make file upload possible, meaning this won't be exploitable to achieve remote code execution on most instances with just this plugin alone. Another vulnerability would need to be present on the site allowing arbitrary file upload in order to leverage this to achieve remote code execution.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-2636 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration WordPress plugin versions up to 0.1.0.85. It arises from improper limitation of pathname input via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter, enabling local file inclusion. An unauthenticated attacker can include and execute arbitrary files on the server, including PHP code, if such files exist or can be uploaded through other vulnerabilities. This vulnerability can lead to bypassing access controls, data disclosure, or code execution. However, since the plugin itself does not allow arbitrary file uploads, remote code execution is not achievable solely through this flaw. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patch is currently available.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to local file inclusion allowing execution of arbitrary PHP code if attacker-controlled files are present on the server. This can result in bypassing access controls, disclosure of sensitive information, and potential code execution. However, without an additional file upload vulnerability, remote code execution is unlikely. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability as indicated by the CVSS vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or patch is currently available, users should monitor vendor communications for updates. Mitigation may require restricting access to the vulnerable parameter or disabling the plugin until a fix is released. No generic mitigations are recommended beyond this due to the specific nature of the vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2025-03-21T22:12:30.783Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6b25b7ef31ef0b54e9a2
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:35:33 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 5:15:59 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 1:35:54 PM
Views: 21
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