CVE-2026-16616: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in Simple File List
The Simple File List WordPress plugin versions up to and including 6.3.11 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated users to read arbitrary files on the server and move critical files outside the web root. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure and potential site takeover.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-16616 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the Simple File List WordPress plugin through version 6.3.11. The plugin does not properly validate the source path during a file-move operation, which is accessible to unauthenticated users. This flaw allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server and relocate critical files outside the web root, potentially exposing sensitive data and enabling site compromise.
Potential Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability without authentication to read any file on the server and move critical files out of the web root. This can result in disclosure of sensitive information and may lead to full site takeover. The CVSS score of 8.6 (high severity) reflects the critical confidentiality impact and the lack of required privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the plugin and monitor for suspicious activity. Avoid exposing the plugin to unauthenticated users where possible.
CVE-2026-16616: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in Simple File List
Description
The Simple File List WordPress plugin versions up to and including 6.3.11 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated users to read arbitrary files on the server and move critical files outside the web root. This can lead to sensitive information disclosure and potential site takeover.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.6high
Affected software
Simple File List
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-16616 is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in the Simple File List WordPress plugin through version 6.3.11. The plugin does not properly validate the source path during a file-move operation, which is accessible to unauthenticated users. This flaw allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the server and relocate critical files outside the web root, potentially exposing sensitive data and enabling site compromise.
Potential Impact
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability without authentication to read any file on the server and move critical files out of the web root. This can result in disclosure of sensitive information and may lead to full site takeover. The CVSS score of 8.6 (high severity) reflects the critical confidentiality impact and the lack of required privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict access to the plugin and monitor for suspicious activity. Avoid exposing the plugin to unauthenticated users where possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-22T14:44:59.993Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a854e91c6e8be033248b26b
Added to database: 08/19/2026, 06:34:57 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 09:49:25 UTC
Last updated: 10/02/2026, 02:46:03 UTC
Views: 36
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.