File Manager Plugin in WordPress Exposes Sensitive Data to Authenticated Users
CVE-2026-17542

7.5HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
File Manager
Vendor
CVE Published:
10 August 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2026-17542?

The File Manager Plugin for WordPress prior to version 6.9.1 lacks proper capability checks on a critical file management endpoint. This oversight allows any authenticated user, such as a subscriber, to access and navigate the entire WordPress installation directory. Consequently, users can download various file types, including archives and documents that may contain sensitive information, thus posing a significant risk to data security.

Affected Version(s)

File Manager 0 < 6.9.1

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-17542 - Proof of Concept

References

https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/d17f3de9-b0f9-4bbd-8a57-...
exploitvdb-entrytechnical-description

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.5
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

JING QIAN
WPScan
.