CVE-2022-2431: download-manager download manager External Control of File Name or Path
Vulnerability summary
CVE-2022-2431 is a high (CVSS 8.8) External Control of File Name or Path vulnerability in download-manager download manager. EPSS estimates a 3.83% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 89.9% of scored vulnerabilities. 1 public exploit is recorded. Fixed in 3.2.51.
Timeline
- 06-09-2022PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
- 31-01-2025Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.
Description
The Download Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion in versions up to, and including 3.2.50. This is due to insufficient file type and path validation on the deleteFiles() function found in the ~/Admin/Menu/Packages.php file that triggers upon download post deletion. This makes it possible for contributor level users and above to supply an arbitrary file path via the 'file[files]' parameter when creating a download post and once the user deletes the post the supplied arbitrary file will be deleted. This can be used by attackers to delete the /wp-config.php file which will reset the installation and make it possible for an attacker to achieve remote code execution on the server.
CVSS metrics
3 scores · 3 sources · 1 version- CVE.orgCNA8.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:HDiffers
- wordfenceSource8.8HighCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS trend
Probability
3.83%
Chance of exploitation in the next 30 days
Percentile
90%
Versus all other CVEs
30-day change
+0.09 pp
From 3.74% on 19-09-2026
Known exploited
Compare KEV catalogsNot in any of the 3 tracked catalogs.
Public exploits
1 foundExploit Reference (wordfence.com)
Maturity: unknown
Weaknesses
CWE · root cause- CWE-73External Control of File Name or PathThe product allows user input to control or influence paths or file names that are used in filesystem operations.
- CWE-610Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another SphereThe product uses an externally controlled name or reference that resolves to a resource that is outside of the intended control sphere.
- CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
Affected systems
Download-manager1 product
- download manager3.2.50
W3eden1 product
- download_manager≤ 3.2.50
Wordpress1 product
- download-manager≤ 3.2.50 (fixed in 3.2.51)
3 vendors · 3 products
References
4 links- packetstormsecurity.com/files/167920/wpdownloadmanager3250-filedelete.txtX Refsource MISCThird Party AdvisoryVDB Entry
- www.wordfence.com/blog/2022/08/high-severity-vulnerability-patched-in-download-manager-plugin/X Refsource MISCExploitThird Party Advisory