CVE-2026-7252
Deferred Deferred - Pending Action
Arbitrary File Deletion in WP-Optimize WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-05-07

Last updated on: 2026-05-07

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.2 This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-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). This is possible because 'original-file' is a public (non-protected) meta key — it does not begin with an underscore — allowing Authors to freely create or modify it on their own attachment posts via the standard Edit Media form or the REST API.
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Meta Information
Published
2026-05-07
Last Modified
2026-05-07
Generated
2026-06-16
AI Q&A
2026-05-07
EPSS Evaluated
2026-06-15
NVD
CVE-2026-7252
EUVD
EUVD-2026-28323
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
wp_optimize wp_optimize to 4.5.2 (inc)
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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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.
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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can have severe impacts including unauthorized deletion of important server files by users with author-level access. Such file deletions can disrupt website functionality or lead to remote code execution if critical files are removed. This could allow attackers to take control of the server, compromise data integrity, and cause service outages.

Executive Summary

The WP-Optimize plugin for WordPress, up to version 4.5.2, has a vulnerability that allows authenticated users with author-level access or higher to delete arbitrary files on the server. This happens because the plugin does not properly validate file paths in the unscheduled_original_file_deletion function. The vulnerability arises since the 'original-file' meta key is public and can be modified by authors through the Edit Media form or REST API, enabling them to specify files to delete. Deleting critical files like wp-config.php can lead to remote code execution.

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