CVE-2025-3055: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in wedevs WP User Frontend Pro
The WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_avatar_ajax() function in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-3055 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress, specifically all versions up to and including 4.1.3. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22, which corresponds to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as a path traversal flaw. The issue resides in the delete_avatar_ajax() function, where insufficient validation of file paths allows an authenticated attacker with Subscriber-level privileges or higher to delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the WordPress site. This is particularly dangerous because deleting critical files such as wp-config.php can lead to remote code execution (RCE), enabling an attacker to fully compromise the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges at the low level (Subscriber), no user interaction, and significant impact on integrity and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a critical concern for WordPress sites using this plugin. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation efforts.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. WordPress is widely used across Europe for websites ranging from small businesses to large enterprises and government portals. The WP User Frontend Pro plugin is popular for enabling frontend content submission and user management, making it a common component in many WordPress deployments. Exploitation could lead to arbitrary file deletion, causing service disruption, data loss, and potential site defacement. More critically, deletion of configuration files or other key components can enable remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain persistent control over the web server. This could lead to data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, reputational damage, and operational downtime. Given the low privilege required to exploit this vulnerability, even low-level users or compromised accounts could be leveraged to escalate attacks. The threat is particularly relevant for sectors with high reliance on WordPress for public-facing services, including media, education, and government institutions across Europe.
Mitigation Recommendations
Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting access and monitoring. Organizations should: 1) Temporarily disable or restrict the WP User Frontend Pro plugin until a patch is available. 2) Review and tighten user role permissions to limit Subscriber-level users from accessing functionalities that invoke delete_avatar_ajax(). 3) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting path traversal patterns targeting the delete_avatar_ajax() endpoint. 4) Conduct thorough file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file deletions or modifications, especially of critical files like wp-config.php. 5) Regularly back up WordPress files and databases to enable rapid restoration in case of file deletion. 6) Monitor logs for unusual activity from authenticated users with low privileges. 7) Stay alert for vendor updates or patches and apply them promptly once released. 8) Consider isolating WordPress instances or running them with least privilege on the hosting environment to limit the impact of potential exploitation.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria
CVE-2025-3055: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in wedevs WP User Frontend Pro
Description
The WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_avatar_ajax() function in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-3055 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress, specifically all versions up to and including 4.1.3. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22, which corresponds to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as a path traversal flaw. The issue resides in the delete_avatar_ajax() function, where insufficient validation of file paths allows an authenticated attacker with Subscriber-level privileges or higher to delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the WordPress site. This is particularly dangerous because deleting critical files such as wp-config.php can lead to remote code execution (RCE), enabling an attacker to fully compromise the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges at the low level (Subscriber), no user interaction, and significant impact on integrity and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a critical concern for WordPress sites using this plugin. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation efforts.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. WordPress is widely used across Europe for websites ranging from small businesses to large enterprises and government portals. The WP User Frontend Pro plugin is popular for enabling frontend content submission and user management, making it a common component in many WordPress deployments. Exploitation could lead to arbitrary file deletion, causing service disruption, data loss, and potential site defacement. More critically, deletion of configuration files or other key components can enable remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain persistent control over the web server. This could lead to data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, reputational damage, and operational downtime. Given the low privilege required to exploit this vulnerability, even low-level users or compromised accounts could be leveraged to escalate attacks. The threat is particularly relevant for sectors with high reliance on WordPress for public-facing services, including media, education, and government institutions across Europe.
Mitigation Recommendations
Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting access and monitoring. Organizations should: 1) Temporarily disable or restrict the WP User Frontend Pro plugin until a patch is available. 2) Review and tighten user role permissions to limit Subscriber-level users from accessing functionalities that invoke delete_avatar_ajax(). 3) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting path traversal patterns targeting the delete_avatar_ajax() endpoint. 4) Conduct thorough file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized file deletions or modifications, especially of critical files like wp-config.php. 5) Regularly back up WordPress files and databases to enable rapid restoration in case of file deletion. 6) Monitor logs for unusual activity from authenticated users with low privileges. 7) Stay alert for vendor updates or patches and apply them promptly once released. 8) Consider isolating WordPress instances or running them with least privilege on the hosting environment to limit the impact of potential exploitation.
For access to advanced analysis and higher rate limits, contact root@offseq.com
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2025-03-31T19:27:42.132Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 68418437182aa0cae2dcccb1
Added to database: 6/5/2025, 11:49:11 AM
Last enriched: 7/7/2025, 3:54:50 AM
Last updated: 8/15/2025, 3:40:41 AM
Views: 12
Related Threats
CVE-2025-3495: CWE-338 Use of Cryptographically Weak Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) in Delta Electronics COMMGR
CriticalCVE-2025-53948: CWE-415 Double Free in Santesoft Sante PACS Server
HighCVE-2025-52584: CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt
HighCVE-2025-46269: CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow in Ashlar-Vellum Cobalt
HighCVE-2025-54862: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') in Santesoft Sante PACS Server
MediumActions
Updates to AI analysis are available only with a Pro account. Contact root@offseq.com for access.
Need enhanced features?
Contact root@offseq.com for Pro access with improved analysis and higher rate limits.