CVE-2025-12137 Import WP – Export and Import CSV and XML files to WordPress <= 2.14.16 - Authenticated (Admin+) Arbitrary File Read
Authenticated administrators can read arbitrary files on the server via the Import WP plugin's REST API endpoint.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- An administrator
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2025-12137?
CVE-2025-12137 is a medium-severity path traversal vulnerability in jcollings Import WP – Export and Import CSV and XML files to WordPress, published on 1 Nov 2025. An attacker needs administrator access to exploit it, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The Import WP – Export and Import CSV and XML files to WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read in all versions up to, and including, 2.14.16. This is due to the plugin's REST API endpoint accepting arbitrary absolute file paths without proper validation in the 'attach_file()' function when handling 'file_local' actions. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to read arbitrary files on the server's filesystem, including sensitive configuration files and system files via the 'local_url' parameter.
Weakness: CWE-73
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-12137?
How do I fix CVE-2025-12137?
No fix has been published for CVE-2025-12137 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2025-12137 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-12137 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-rqj4-c9gx-xx38.