CVE-2025-12971
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the WordPress Folders plugin allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to move arbitrary folder contents to arbitrary folders due to insufficient capability checks. This affects all WordPress sites using the Folders plugin version 3.1.5 or earlier. The issue enables unauthorized data manipulation within the media library and content organization system.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Folders - Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious contributors could disrupt site organization, hide important content, or move sensitive files to publicly accessible locations, potentially leading to data exposure or site functionality issues.
Likely Case
Attackers with contributor access could disrupt content organization, move files to inappropriate locations, or create confusion in the media library management system.
If Mitigated
With proper user access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to minor organizational disruption that can be quickly detected and reversed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access with at least Contributor privileges. The vulnerability is straightforward to exploit once authenticated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.1.6
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3402986/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Folders' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.1.6+ from WordPress plugin repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary Plugin Deactivation
allDisable the vulnerable plugin until patched version can be installed
wp plugin deactivate folders
Restrict Contributor Access
allTemporarily remove or restrict Contributor role users until patch is applied
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user access controls and limit Contributor role assignments
- Enable comprehensive logging of folder operations and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Find 'Folders' plugin and check version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get folders --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.1.6 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual folder movement patterns
- Multiple folder operations from Contributor accounts
- Folder changes outside normal workflow
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action 'wcp_change_post_folder' from non-admin accounts
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress_logs" action="wcp_change_post_folder" user_role="contributor"