During the analysis, it was identified that authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher are able to perform an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) attack. This vulnerability exists because the Frontend File Manager Plugin WordPress plugin through 23.6 does not properly validate user authorization for the requested uploaded file when processing download requests. By modifying the value of the 'file_id' parameter in the download endpoint, an attacker can access files belonging to other users, including privileged users such as administrators. This allows unauthorized access/read to sensitive data stored within the application.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information that could result from this vulnerability.
The vulnerability, classified as an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), allows attackers to manipulate request parameters to bypass authorization checks. This could lead to significant data breaches if exploited, as attackers could potentially access confidential files belonging to other users.
As of now, there is no public exploit confirmed, but the potential for exploitation exists given the nature of the vulnerability. Organizations using the affected plugin should assess their environment for any signs of exploitation or unauthorized access.
Immediate action is required to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and monitoring can help detect and prevent potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2026-5337 vulnerability affects the Frontend File Manager Plugin for WordPress versions up to 23.6. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of user permissions for downloading files, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data.
While an official CVSS score has not been assigned, the potential for significant impact warrants immediate attention. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 3, 2026.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user authorization checks within the plugin. An attacker with the appropriate access level can manipulate the download request to access files that they should not have access to.
This vulnerability has a low exploitability potential, primarily due to the requirement for authenticated access. However, if exploited, it can lead to significant breaches of confidentiality.
No user interaction is required for the exploitation of this vulnerability, as attackers can directly manipulate the request parameters. The impacts on confidentiality can be severe, as unauthorized users may access sensitive data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data, which could lead to data breaches and loss of trust from users. The potential blast radius encompasses all users of the affected plugin, particularly those with administrative privileges.
Given the low EPSS score of 0.0002, the likelihood of exploitation may be considered low, but the potential impact of an exploit occurring is high, necessitating prioritization in the patch cycle.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks effectively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Frontend File Manager Plugin for WordPress are all versions prior to 23.6. Organizations using this plugin should ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update to the latest version of the Frontend File Manager Plugin to address this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and code reviews can help identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further guidance on securing your web applications, organizations can refer to resources on application security assessments.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor for unusual access patterns in download requests and validate that users are only able to access files they are authorized to view. Log entries should be reviewed for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The emergence of vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-5337 highlights the importance of rigorous permission checks in web applications. Organizations should be aware of the potential for IDOR vulnerabilities and implement strict validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file access.
Security teams are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to vulnerability management, including regular updates and monitoring to safeguard sensitive data. For more insights into vulnerability management, consider exploring our resources on vulnerability management programs and effective penetration testing methodologies to enhance security posture.
Finally, organizations should consider how vulnerabilities like this one can affect their overall risk landscape and take steps to ensure their applications are secure against similar threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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