CVE-2026-7252: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in davidanderson WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance
A path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) exists in the WP-Optimize WordPress plugin up to version 4.5.2, allowing authenticated users with author-level access or higher to delete arbitrary files on the server. This occurs due to insufficient validation of the 'original-file' meta key in the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function. Because the meta key is public and modifiable by authors, attackers can exploit this to delete critical files such as wp-config.php, potentially leading to remote code execution. The vulnerability has a high severity with a CVSS score of 8.1. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available from the vendor. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The WP-Optimize plugin for WordPress suffers from an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability caused by improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22). Authenticated users with author-level permissions can manipulate the 'original-file' meta key, which is not protected, to delete arbitrary files via the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function. This can lead to remote code execution if critical files like wp-config.php are deleted. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.5.2. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.1 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H), indicating high impact on integrity and availability with network attack vector and low attack complexity.
Potential Impact
Authenticated users with author-level access or higher can delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the WordPress site using the vulnerable plugin. This can cause denial of service or facilitate remote code execution if key files such as wp-config.php are deleted. The integrity and availability of the affected system are highly impacted. Confidentiality impact is not indicated. No known active exploitation has been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict author-level user permissions where possible and monitor for suspicious file deletion activity related to the plugin. Avoid using the plugin versions up to 4.5.2 in environments where author-level users cannot be fully trusted. Follow updates from the plugin vendor for an official fix.
CVE-2026-7252: CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in davidanderson WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance
Description
A path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) exists in the WP-Optimize WordPress plugin up to version 4.5.2, allowing authenticated users with author-level access or higher to delete arbitrary files on the server. This occurs due to insufficient validation of the 'original-file' meta key in the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function. Because the meta key is public and modifiable by authors, attackers can exploit this to delete critical files such as wp-config.php, potentially leading to remote code execution. The vulnerability has a high severity with a CVSS score of 8.1. No official patch or remediation guidance is currently available from the vendor. No known exploits are reported in the wild at this time.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.1high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The WP-Optimize plugin for WordPress suffers from an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability caused by improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory (CWE-22). Authenticated users with author-level permissions can manipulate the 'original-file' meta key, which is not protected, to delete arbitrary files via the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function. This can lead to remote code execution if critical files like wp-config.php are deleted. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.5.2. The CVSS 3.1 score is 8.1 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H), indicating high impact on integrity and availability with network attack vector and low attack complexity.
Potential Impact
Authenticated users with author-level access or higher can delete arbitrary files on the server hosting the WordPress site using the vulnerable plugin. This can cause denial of service or facilitate remote code execution if key files such as wp-config.php are deleted. The integrity and availability of the affected system are highly impacted. Confidentiality impact is not indicated. No known active exploitation has been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict author-level user permissions where possible and monitor for suspicious file deletion activity related to the plugin. Avoid using the plugin versions up to 4.5.2 in environments where author-level users cannot be fully trusted. Follow updates from the plugin vendor for an official fix.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-04-27T19:09:53.550Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 69fc24d8cbff5d86109abcc5
Added to database: 05/07/2026, 05:36:24 UTC
Last enriched: 05/14/2026, 10:51:17 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:23:00 UTC
Views: 115
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.
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.