What the vulnerability does
01Description
The InstaWP Connect – 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.0.85 via the 'instawp-database-manager' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where php file types can be uploaded and included, or are already present on the filesystem locally. There are currently no known vulnerabilities in this plugin that make file upload possible, meaning this won't be exploitable to achieve remote code execution on most instances with just this plugin alone. Another vulnerability would need to be present on the site allowing arbitrary file upload in order to leverage this to achieve remote code execution.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
InstaWP Connect versions up to 0.1.0.85 contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows an attacker to read or write arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability requires specific conditions to exploit but can result in full compromise of the site's files and data. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 0.1.0.85 immediately.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read or write arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive data or modifying site code.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
An attacker could access wp-config.php, database backups, or other sensitive files, or inject malicious code into your site.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access to the site; no authentication or user interaction required, but attack complexity is high.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
April 11, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
