What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Zombify plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.7.5. This is due to insufficient input validation in the zf_get_file_by_url function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to read arbitrary files on the server, including sensitive system files like /etc/passwd, via a forged request. It's worth noting that successfully exploiting this vulnerability relies on a race condition as the file generated will be deleted immediately.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Zombify versions up to 1.7.5 contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows an attacker to read arbitrary files from the server. The vulnerability requires specific network conditions to exploit but does not require authentication or user interaction. An attacker can access sensitive files outside the intended directory structure, potentially exposing configuration files, source code, or other confidential data.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read arbitrary files from the server, including configuration and source code files.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Sensitive files on the server may be exposed, including database credentials and configuration details.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access to the vulnerable Zombify installation; no authentication required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
October 31, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
