CVE-2026-16940: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in Custom Fields
A path traversal vulnerability exists in the Custom Fields WordPress plugin before version 1.5.1. This flaw allows unauthenticated users to supply arbitrary file paths for deletion without proper validation, enabling deletion of critical files such as wp-config.php. Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a full site takeover.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Custom Fields WordPress plugin prior to version 1.5.1 contains an improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22). Specifically, it fails to validate user-supplied file paths before performing file deletion operations. This allows unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, including sensitive configuration files like wp-config.php, potentially resulting in complete compromise of the affected WordPress site.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation permits unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the WordPress site. This can include critical files such as wp-config.php, which may lead to a full site takeover by disrupting site functionality or enabling further attacks.
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's file deletion functionality and monitor for suspicious activity. Avoid using affected versions in production environments if possible.
CVE-2026-16940: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in Custom Fields
Description
A path traversal vulnerability exists in the Custom Fields WordPress plugin before version 1.5.1. This flaw allows unauthenticated users to supply arbitrary file paths for deletion without proper validation, enabling deletion of critical files such as wp-config.php. Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a full site takeover.
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Custom Fields WordPress plugin prior to version 1.5.1 contains an improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22). Specifically, it fails to validate user-supplied file paths before performing file deletion operations. This allows unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, including sensitive configuration files like wp-config.php, potentially resulting in complete compromise of the affected WordPress site.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation permits unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the WordPress site. This can include critical files such as wp-config.php, which may lead to a full site takeover by disrupting site functionality or enabling further attacks.
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's file deletion functionality and monitor for suspicious activity. Avoid using affected versions in production environments if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-24T07:48:25.070Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a72d7aebf8831d5395e82c5
Added to database: 08/05/2026, 06:26:54 UTC
Last enriched: 08/05/2026, 07:01:40 UTC
Last updated: 08/05/2026, 07:01:40 UTC
Views: 2
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