CVE-2026-14982
Received Received - Intake

Arbitrary File Deletion in WP File Download Plugin

Publication date: 2026-09-02

Last updated on: 2026-09-02

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The WP File Download plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete function in all versions. 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). The two-stage exploit requires a first request to the file.save task to persist the path-traversal string into file metadata, followed by a second request to the file.delete task to trigger the unlink call — both endpoints lack capability checks and nonce enforcement.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-02
Last Modified
2026-09-02
Generated
2026-09-02
AI Q&A
2026-09-02
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-14982
EUVD
EUVD-2026-69821

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
joomunited wp_file_download to 6.3.8 (inc)
joomunited wp_file_download 6.3.7

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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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is in the WP File Download plugin for WordPress. It allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access or higher to delete arbitrary files on the server due to insufficient file path validation in the delete function. This can lead to remote code execution if critical files like wp-config.php are deleted. The exploit requires two steps: first, a request to save a path-traversal string into file metadata, and second, a request to delete the file. Both steps lack proper capability checks and nonce enforcement.

Detection Guidance

Check for the WP File Download plugin version in WordPress. If it is 6.3.8 or lower, the system is vulnerable. Look for unusual file deletions or modifications in the WordPress installation directory.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to delete important files on your WordPress server. This may disrupt your website, cause data loss, or enable further attacks like remote code execution. Attackers could target sensitive files such as configuration files, leading to complete site compromise or unauthorized access to your server.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized file deletion or code execution, potentially exposing sensitive user data. This may violate GDPR's data protection requirements or HIPAA's security rules, depending on the data processed by the WordPress site. Compliance could be impacted if personal or health data is compromised due to the exploit.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the WP File Download plugin to the latest version immediately. If updating is not possible, consider disabling the plugin until a patch is applied. Review server logs for suspicious activity related to file deletions.

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