What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Simple Download Counter plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.2. This is due to insufficient path validation in the `simple_download_counter_parse_path()` function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which may contain sensitive information such as database credentials (wp-config.php) or system files. Please note that the vendor opted to continue to allow remote file downloads from arbitrary locations on the server, however, has disabled this functionality on multi-sites and provided a warning to site owners in the readme.txt when they install the plugin. While not an optimal patch, we have considered this sufficient and recommend users proceed to use the plugin with caution.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Simple Download Counter versions 2.2.2 and earlier contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files from the server. An attacker with admin privileges can craft requests to access files outside the intended directory, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files or other data. This requires high-level site access and does not affect file integrity or availability.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read arbitrary files from the server filesystem.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Sensitive files (config, database credentials, private keys) may be exposed if an admin account is compromised.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have administrator-level access to the site.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
December 10, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
