CVE-2025-3520 HIGH

CVE-2025-3520: Avatar <= 0.1.4 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary File Deletion

Vendor Wonderboymusic
Product Avatar
Weakness CWE-22 · Path traversal
Published April 18, 2025
Last update April 8, 2026

CVSS base score

8.1/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required Low
User interaction None
Confidentiality None
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Avatar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in a function in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

Avatar versions 0.1.4 and earlier contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated users to read, write, or delete files outside the intended directory. An attacker with low-level access can manipulate file paths to access sensitive system files or overwrite critical application data. This vulnerability affects file integrity and availability on affected systems.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Read, write, or delete files outside the intended directory on the server.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Attackers with basic user accounts can corrupt or steal files, potentially compromising site data and functionality.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Attacker must have a low-privilege user account on the site.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

April 18, 2025 CVE published
April 8, 2026 Record updated