CVE-2026-18933 HIGH

CVE-2026-18933: wp-downloadmanager: Unrestricted File Upload via Missing Extension/MIME Validation and Path Traversal

Vendor Wp-Downloadmanager
Product wp-downloadmanager
Weakness CWE-434 · Unrestricted file upload
Published August 5, 2026
Last update August 5, 2026

CVSS base score

7.2/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required High
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

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

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The wp-downloadmanager WordPress plugin, in version 1.68.11 (also affecting the 6.9.4 release line), allows an admin-privileged user (current_user_can('manage_downloads')) to upload arbitrary files via download-add.php with no extension or MIME-type validation of any kind - no wp_check_filetype_and_ext(), no validate_file(), and no extension blocklist exist anywhere in the upload handler. The destination path is additionally built by concatenating the raw, unsanitized $_POST['file_upload_to'] value with no traversal check (no ../ filtering, no basename()/realpath() applied). Since the base download path is required to live under WP_CONTENT_DIR (a web-accessible location), an uploaded PHP file lands in a web-servable path and can be directly executed, resulting in remote code execution. The plugin's own later changelog confirms these protections were absent in this version: v1.69 added file-type validation via wp_check_filetype_and_ext(), and v1.69.1 added directory-traversal protection - neither existed in 1.68.11.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

wp-downloadmanager versions before 1.69 allow administrators to upload files without proper type validation. An attacker with admin access can upload executable files (such as PHP scripts) to the site, potentially gaining the ability to run arbitrary code. This vulnerability requires high-level privileges to exploit but poses a severe risk if admin credentials are compromised.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Upload and execute malicious files on the site with admin privileges.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

If admin credentials are compromised, attackers can upload malicious code and take full control of your site.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Attacker must have administrator-level access to the WordPress site.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

August 5, 2026 CVE published

Related vulnerabilities

08Related CVE