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 a Subscriber account to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The WP Maps WordPress plugin versions prior to 4.9.7 contain a CWE-22 path traversal vulnerability. The flaw is due to missing capability checks and insufficient validation of user-supplied paths in an AJAX action, enabling low-privileged users (Subscribers) to include and execute arbitrary local PHP files on the server. This could lead to unauthorized code execution within the context of the web server.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a Subscriber account can exploit this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server. This can lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially compromising the server and the data it hosts.
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 permissions where possible and monitor for suspicious activity related to file inclusion attempts.
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 a Subscriber account to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The WP Maps WordPress plugin versions prior to 4.9.7 contain a CWE-22 path traversal vulnerability. The flaw is due to missing capability checks and insufficient validation of user-supplied paths in an AJAX action, enabling low-privileged users (Subscribers) to include and execute arbitrary local PHP files on the server. This could lead to unauthorized code execution within the context of the web server.
Potential Impact
An attacker with a Subscriber account can exploit this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary existing local PHP files on the server. This can lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially compromising the server and the data it hosts.
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 permissions where possible and monitor for suspicious activity related to file inclusion attempts.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-20T08:40:38.798Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a757731bf8831d539df5ebc
Added to database: 08/07/2026, 06:12:01 UTC
Last enriched: 08/07/2026, 06:27:14 UTC
Last updated: 08/07/2026, 06:46:32 UTC
Views: 4
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