CVE-2026-12277 Frontend File Manager Plugin <= 23.6 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion via Saved File Metadata Path Traversal
Unauthenticated attackers can delete arbitrary files, including configuration files, leading to site takeover when guest upload mode is enabled.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-12277?
CVE-2026-12277 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in Unknown Frontend File Manager Plugin, published on 7 Jul 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The Frontend File Manager Plugin WordPress plugin through 23.6 does not validate a file path derived from user input before deleting the referenced file, allowing unauthenticated users to delete arbitrary files on the server (such as wp-config.php) when guest upload mode is enabled. Deleting wp-config.php forces the site into its setup routine, which can be leveraged toward a full site takeover.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-12277?
How do I fix CVE-2026-12277?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-12277 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-2026-12277 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-12277 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-wvw5-gh7q-m6w3.