CVE-2026-5436: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in inc2734 MW WP Form
CVE-2026-5436 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in the MW WP Form WordPress plugin up to version 5. 1. 1. It allows unauthenticated attackers to move arbitrary files on the server by exploiting insufficient validation of an upload field key parameter. This can lead to remote code execution if critical files like wp-config. php are moved into the uploads directory. Exploitation requires a form with a file upload field and the 'Saving inquiry data in database' option enabled. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The MW WP Form plugin suffers from a path traversal vulnerability due to improper validation of the $name parameter in the generate_user_file_dirpath() function. The plugin uses WordPress's path_join() function, which returns absolute paths unchanged, allowing attacker-controlled input via the mwf_upload_files[] POST parameter to specify arbitrary absolute file paths. During form processing, these paths are used to move files into the uploads directory without sufficient checks, enabling arbitrary file move/read operations. This vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers if a file upload field is present and inquiry data saving is enabled, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can move arbitrary files on the server, including sensitive files like wp-config.php, into the uploads directory. This can lead to remote code execution, complete compromise of the WordPress site, and potential further server compromise. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid enabling file upload fields in forms combined with the 'Saving inquiry data in database' option in MW WP Form. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
CVE-2026-5436: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in inc2734 MW WP Form
Description
CVE-2026-5436 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in the MW WP Form WordPress plugin up to version 5. 1. 1. It allows unauthenticated attackers to move arbitrary files on the server by exploiting insufficient validation of an upload field key parameter. This can lead to remote code execution if critical files like wp-config. php are moved into the uploads directory. Exploitation requires a form with a file upload field and the 'Saving inquiry data in database' option enabled. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The MW WP Form plugin suffers from a path traversal vulnerability due to improper validation of the $name parameter in the generate_user_file_dirpath() function. The plugin uses WordPress's path_join() function, which returns absolute paths unchanged, allowing attacker-controlled input via the mwf_upload_files[] POST parameter to specify arbitrary absolute file paths. During form processing, these paths are used to move files into the uploads directory without sufficient checks, enabling arbitrary file move/read operations. This vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers if a file upload field is present and inquiry data saving is enabled, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can move arbitrary files on the server, including sensitive files like wp-config.php, into the uploads directory. This can lead to remote code execution, complete compromise of the WordPress site, and potential further server compromise. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid enabling file upload fields in forms combined with the 'Saving inquiry data in database' option in MW WP Form. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-02T17:45:46.532Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 69d6bfa81cc7ad14dab01ac4
Added to database: 4/8/2026, 8:50:48 PM
Last enriched: 4/8/2026, 9:05:46 PM
Last updated: 4/8/2026, 9:53:14 PM
Views: 3
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