CVE-2026-24953 identifies a path traversal vulnerability in the Simple File List plugin developed by Mitchell Bennis, affecting all versions up to 6.1.15. Path traversal vulnerabilities occur when an application improperly restricts file path inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths to access directories and files outside the intended restricted directory. In this case, the Simple File List plugin fails to adequately limit pathname inputs, enabling an attacker to craft requests that traverse directories on the server. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, such as configuration files, credentials, or other critical data stored on the server. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of path traversal vulnerabilities makes them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gather information or escalate attacks. The plugin is commonly used in WordPress environments to manage and display file lists, meaning that websites using this plugin are directly exposed. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that this vulnerability is newly published and may not yet have a full risk assessment, but the technical characteristics suggest a significant threat. The vulnerability was reserved in late January 2026 and published in February 2026, with no patch links currently available, indicating that mitigation may rely on configuration changes or vendor updates in the near future.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-24953 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information due to the ability to access files outside the intended directory. This can compromise confidentiality by exposing server configuration files, user data, or application secrets. In some cases, attackers might leverage the information gained to further escalate privileges or conduct additional attacks such as remote code execution. The integrity of the system could be indirectly affected if attackers modify accessible files, though this vulnerability primarily concerns read access. Availability is less likely to be impacted directly by this flaw. Organizations worldwide that use the Simple File List plugin in their web environments face increased risk of data breaches, especially if the plugin is exposed to the internet without additional protections. The ease of exploitation and lack of authentication requirements increase the likelihood of successful attacks. This could lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational disruptions for affected organizations.

1. Monitor the vendor's official channels for patches addressing CVE-2026-24953 and apply updates promptly once available. 2. Until a patch is released, restrict file and directory permissions on the server to minimize the exposure of sensitive files accessible via the plugin. 3. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block path traversal attempts, such as those containing '../' sequences or encoded variants. 4. Limit access to the Simple File List plugin interface to trusted users or IP ranges where possible to reduce exposure. 5. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on file access controls in web applications using this plugin. 6. Review server logs for suspicious requests that may indicate exploitation attempts and respond accordingly. 7. Consider alternative plugins or custom solutions with stronger security controls if immediate patching is not feasible. 8. Educate development and operations teams about secure file handling practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.