CVE-2026-17540: CWE-284 Improper Access Control in File Manager
The File Manager WordPress plugin before 6.9.1 does not properly authorise its file management commands, allowing any authenticated user, such as a subscriber, to read and delete arbitrary files under the WordPress installation directory, which could lead to the disclosure of the site's configuration secrets and to denial of service.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-17540 is an improper access control vulnerability (CWE-284) in the File Manager WordPress plugin versions prior to 6.9.1. The plugin fails to properly authorize file management commands, enabling any authenticated user to perform unauthorized file read and delete operations under the WordPress installation directory. This can result in disclosure of sensitive site configuration secrets and cause denial of service by deleting critical files.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows authenticated users with minimal privileges to access and delete arbitrary files within the WordPress installation directory. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive information such as configuration secrets, potentially compromising the site's security. Additionally, deletion of files can disrupt site functionality, causing denial of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is currently confirmed. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict plugin access to trusted users only and consider disabling the plugin if possible.
CVE-2026-17540: CWE-284 Improper Access Control in File Manager
Description
The File Manager WordPress plugin before 6.9.1 does not properly authorise its file management commands, allowing any authenticated user, such as a subscriber, to read and delete arbitrary files under the WordPress installation directory, which could lead to the disclosure of the site's configuration secrets and to denial of service.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.8high
Affected software
File Manager
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-17540 is an improper access control vulnerability (CWE-284) in the File Manager WordPress plugin versions prior to 6.9.1. The plugin fails to properly authorize file management commands, enabling any authenticated user to perform unauthorized file read and delete operations under the WordPress installation directory. This can result in disclosure of sensitive site configuration secrets and cause denial of service by deleting critical files.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows authenticated users with minimal privileges to access and delete arbitrary files within the WordPress installation directory. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive information such as configuration secrets, potentially compromising the site's security. Additionally, deletion of files can disrupt site functionality, causing denial of service.
Mitigation Recommendations
No official patch or remediation guidance is currently confirmed. Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict plugin access to trusted users only and consider disabling the plugin if possible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-27T10:00:16.040Z
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a7972b0bf8831d5392fb03f
Added to database: 08/10/2026, 06:41:52 UTC
Last enriched: 08/17/2026, 15:12:44 UTC
Last updated: 09/23/2026, 03:35:59 UTC
Views: 27
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