CVE-2025-56430 identifies a directory traversal vulnerability in Fearless Geek Media's FearlessCMS, specifically in version 0.0.2-15. The vulnerability resides in the plugin-handler.php script, within the deleteDirectory function. An attacker can remotely exploit this flaw by manipulating input parameters to traverse directories beyond the intended scope, enabling unauthorized deletion of directories. This can lead to a denial of service by removing critical CMS files or directories, rendering the system inoperable or causing significant service disruption. The vulnerability does not require authentication, increasing its risk profile. Although no CVSS score has been assigned and no public exploits are known, the nature of directory traversal combined with deletion capabilities poses a serious threat to availability. FearlessCMS is a content management system, and such vulnerabilities can impact websites and services relying on it. The lack of patches or mitigations currently available increases the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls. The vulnerability was reserved in August 2025 and published in December 2025, indicating recent discovery. The absence of detailed CWE classification limits deeper technical categorization but the core issue is improper input validation leading to directory traversal and unauthorized file system manipulation.

For European organizations using FearlessCMS, this vulnerability could result in significant operational disruption due to denial of service caused by unauthorized directory deletions. Websites or internal portals managed by FearlessCMS may become unavailable, impacting business continuity, customer access, and internal workflows. The loss of critical CMS files could also necessitate recovery efforts, including data restoration and system reinstallation, incurring downtime and costs. Organizations in sectors relying heavily on web presence, such as e-commerce, media, and public services, may face reputational damage and financial losses. Additionally, if exploited in a targeted manner, attackers could disrupt government or critical infrastructure websites using this CMS. The lack of authentication requirement and remote exploitability increases the threat landscape, making it easier for attackers to launch attacks from anywhere. However, the absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited current active exploitation, providing a window for mitigation.

1. Immediately restrict access to plugin-handler.php via web server configuration or firewall rules to trusted IPs only. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all parameters passed to deleteDirectory and related functions to prevent directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../). 3. Monitor logs for suspicious requests targeting plugin-handler.php or unusual directory deletion attempts. 4. If possible, disable or remove the deleteDirectory function or the vulnerable plugin until a patch is available. 5. Regularly back up CMS files and directories to enable rapid recovery in case of deletion. 6. Engage with Fearless Geek Media for official patches or updates and apply them promptly once released. 7. Conduct a security audit of the CMS installation to identify other potential vulnerabilities. 8. Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block directory traversal attempts. 9. Educate administrators about this vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include scenarios for CMS DoS attacks.