CVE-2025-15487
Path Traversal in WordPress Code Explorer Plugin Allows File Disclosure
Publication date: 2026-02-04
Last updated on: 2026-02-04
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| code_explorer | code_explorer | to 1.4.6 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-22 | The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
The vulnerability exists in the Code Explorer plugin for WordPress, specifically in all versions up to and including 1.4.6. It is a Path Traversal vulnerability that occurs via the 'file' parameter.
This flaw allows authenticated attackers who have Administrator-level access or higher to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server. These files may contain sensitive information.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
If exploited, this vulnerability can allow an attacker with administrator privileges to read any file on the server hosting the WordPress site.
This can lead to exposure of sensitive information stored in files, such as configuration files, credentials, or other private data.
Although the attacker must already have high-level access, the vulnerability increases the risk of data leakage and potential further compromise.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "This vulnerability involves the 'file' parameter in the Code Explorer WordPress plugin allowing authenticated administrators to perform path traversal and read arbitrary files on the server."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "Detection can focus on monitoring HTTP requests to the WordPress admin interface that include the 'file' parameter with suspicious path traversal patterns (e.g., '../')."}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Use web server access logs to search for requests containing 'file=' with directory traversal sequences, for example:"}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "grep -i 'file=..' /var/log/apache2/access.log"}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Or use a more general pattern to detect traversal attempts:'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "grep -E 'file=.*\\.\\./' /var/log/apache2/access.log"}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Monitor authenticated administrator sessions for unusual file access patterns or unexpected file reads via the plugin's file manager interface."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Since the vulnerability requires administrator-level authentication, detection should also include reviewing admin activity logs for suspicious file access.'}] [1]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Immediate mitigation steps include:'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Restrict access to the WordPress admin interface to trusted administrators only.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Disable or uninstall the Code Explorer plugin until a patched version is available.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'If disabling the plugin is not possible, restrict plugin usage by limiting administrator accounts and monitoring their activity closely.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Apply any available updates or patches from the plugin developer as soon as they are released.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns targeting the 'file' parameter."}] [1]