CVE-2026-16263: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in WP Maps
CVE-2026-16263 is a path traversal vulnerability in the WP Maps WordPress plugin before version 4.9.7. It arises because the plugin does not perform a capability check in one of its AJAX actions and fails to properly validate user-controlled paths before including files. This allows users with Subscriber-level accounts to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server, potentially leading to full compromise.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The WP Maps plugin for WordPress versions prior to 4.9.7 contains a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) due to missing capability checks and improper validation of user-supplied paths in an AJAX action. This flaw enables low-privileged users (Subscribers) to include and execute arbitrary local PHP files on the server, which can lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a Subscriber account can exploit this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary local PHP files on the server. This can lead to full compromise of the affected WordPress site, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability allows remote code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict Subscriber account capabilities and monitor for suspicious activity related to the plugin's AJAX actions. Avoid using the vulnerable plugin version in production environments.
CVE-2026-16263: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in WP Maps
Description
CVE-2026-16263 is a path traversal vulnerability in the WP Maps WordPress plugin before version 4.9.7. It arises because the plugin does not perform a capability check in one of its AJAX actions and fails to properly validate user-controlled paths before including files. This allows users with Subscriber-level accounts to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server, potentially leading to full compromise.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
WP Maps
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The WP Maps plugin for WordPress versions prior to 4.9.7 contains a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) due to missing capability checks and improper validation of user-supplied paths in an AJAX action. This flaw enables low-privileged users (Subscribers) to include and execute arbitrary local PHP files on the server, which can lead to remote code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a Subscriber account can exploit this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary local PHP files on the server. This can lead to full compromise of the affected WordPress site, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability allows remote code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict Subscriber account capabilities and monitor for suspicious activity related to the plugin's AJAX actions. Avoid using the vulnerable plugin version in production environments.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-20T08:40:38.798Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a757731bf8831d539df5ebc
Added to database: 08/07/2026, 06:12:01 UTC
Last enriched: 08/14/2026, 15:57:03 UTC
Last updated: 09/21/2026, 22:01:32 UTC
Views: 64
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