CVE-2025-54021
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in Simple File List WordPress plugin allows attackers to download arbitrary files from the server by manipulating file paths. All WordPress sites running Simple File List versions up to 6.1.14 are affected, potentially exposing sensitive server files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Simple File List WordPress 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
Complete server compromise via downloading configuration files containing database credentials, SSH keys, or other sensitive system files leading to full system takeover.
Likely Case
Exfiltration of sensitive WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php) containing database credentials, leading to database compromise and potential site defacement or data theft.
If Mitigated
Limited to downloading publicly accessible files only, with no access to sensitive system or configuration files due to proper file permissions and web server restrictions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires minimal technical skill as path traversal payloads are well-documented and the vulnerability is in a widely used WordPress plugin.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.1.15 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Simple File List and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 6.1.15 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Simple File List Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate simple-file-list
Web Server Path Restriction
linuxConfigure web server to block directory traversal attempts
# For Apache: SetEnvIf Request_URI "\.\." block_traversal
# For Nginx: if ($request_uri ~* "\.\.") { return 403; }
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal patterns
- Restrict file permissions on sensitive directories and configuration files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Simple File List version. If version is 6.1.14 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get simple-file-list --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Simple File List version shows 6.1.15 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '..' or '../' patterns to Simple File List endpoints
- Multiple failed attempts to access wp-config.php or other sensitive files
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file download patterns from Simple File List URLs
- Requests with encoded directory traversal payloads (%2e%2e%2f)
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*simple-file-list*" AND (uri="*..*" OR uri="*../*" OR uri="*%2e%2e*"))