What the vulnerability does
01Description
The WordPress Comments Import & Export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to to arbitrary file read due to insufficient file path validation during the comments import process, in versions up to, and including, 2.3.7. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information.
The issue was partially fixed in version 2.3.8 and fully fixed in 2.3.9
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
The Comments Import & Export plugin for WordPress contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated users with low privileges to read arbitrary files from the server. An attacker can access sensitive files outside the intended directory by manipulating file paths during import or export operations. This affects versions 2.3.7 and earlier. Update to a version newer than 2.3.7.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read arbitrary files from the server, including configuration files and other sensitive data.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Sensitive files like wp-config.php or database backups could be exposed to low-privilege users.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege WordPress account (e.g., subscriber or contributor role).
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
October 11, 2024
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
