CVE-2026-1056 is a critical security vulnerability classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as path traversal) affecting the Snow Monkey Forms plugin for WordPress, developed by inc2734. The vulnerability exists in the 'generate_user_dirpath' function, which fails to properly validate file paths. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to craft malicious requests that traverse directories and delete arbitrary files on the web server. Since the plugin does not restrict access or require authentication for this function, attackers can exploit this remotely over the network without user interaction. The ability to delete arbitrary files, including critical WordPress configuration files such as wp-config.php, can lead to remote code execution by disrupting the normal operation of the WordPress site or enabling attackers to upload or execute malicious code. The vulnerability affects all versions of Snow Monkey Forms up to and including 12.0.3. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the vulnerability's ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges required, no user interaction) and its severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the severity and nature of this flaw make it a prime target for attackers aiming to compromise WordPress sites. The vulnerability was published on January 28, 2026, with no patch links currently available, indicating that affected users must monitor vendor updates closely or apply alternative mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of WordPress as a content management system across various sectors, including government, education, and commerce. Exploitation can lead to the deletion of critical files, resulting in website downtime, data loss, and potential full server compromise through remote code execution. This can disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and lead to regulatory non-compliance, especially under GDPR where data integrity and availability are critical. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deface websites, steal sensitive data, or use compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within corporate networks. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the attack surface, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors, including opportunistic hackers and advanced persistent threats targeting European digital infrastructure.

1. Immediately update the Snow Monkey Forms plugin to a patched version once released by the vendor. 2. Until a patch is available, disable or remove the Snow Monkey Forms plugin to eliminate the attack vector. 3. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting path traversal patterns targeting the vulnerable function. 4. Restrict file system permissions for the web server user to limit the ability to delete or modify critical files such as wp-config.php. 5. Monitor server logs for unusual file deletion attempts or errors related to the plugin’s directory paths. 6. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) to alert on anomalous file system activities. 7. Regularly back up WordPress site files and databases to enable rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation. 8. Conduct security audits and vulnerability scans focused on WordPress plugins to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.