CVE-2025-3520 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22 found in the wonderboymusic Avatar plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 0.1.4. The flaw arises from improper validation of file paths in a plugin function responsible for file deletion. Authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit this vulnerability to delete arbitrary files on the hosting server. Because WordPress roles such as Subscriber are commonly assigned to registered users, this expands the attack surface significantly. The deletion of critical files, such as wp-config.php, can disrupt site availability and enable remote code execution by forcing WordPress or the server to behave unpredictably or load malicious code. The vulnerability requires no user interaction beyond authentication and has a low attack complexity, as indicated by its CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N). Although no public exploits are currently known, the potential for severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high. This vulnerability underscores the importance of strict path validation and access control in web application plugins, especially those handling file operations.

The impact of CVE-2025-3520 is significant for organizations running WordPress sites with the vulnerable Avatar plugin installed. Attackers with minimal privileges can delete arbitrary files, potentially causing denial of service by removing essential configuration or system files. More critically, deletion of files like wp-config.php can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain full control over the web server environment. This can result in data breaches, website defacement, malware deployment, and lateral movement within the hosting infrastructure. The vulnerability compromises the integrity and availability of affected systems and may indirectly affect confidentiality if attackers leverage the access to exfiltrate sensitive data. Given WordPress's extensive use globally, the threat affects a broad range of sectors including e-commerce, media, education, and government websites. The ease of exploitation and the potential for severe damage make this a high-risk vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2025-3520, organizations should immediately update the wonderboymusic Avatar plugin to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin to eliminate the attack vector. Restricting user roles and permissions to the minimum necessary can reduce the risk; specifically, limiting Subscriber-level users from accessing functionalities that trigger file deletions. Implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block path traversal attempts can provide additional protection. Regularly auditing file system integrity and monitoring logs for suspicious deletion activities can help detect exploitation attempts early. Additionally, employing principle of least privilege on the server file system and isolating WordPress instances can limit the scope of damage. Backup strategies should be reviewed and tested to ensure rapid recovery from file deletion incidents. Finally, educating site administrators about the risks of installing unvetted plugins and maintaining an updated plugin inventory is critical for long-term security.