CVE-2026-14975: WP File Download <= 6.3.8 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary File Read via Path Traversal in 'remoteurl' Parameter
The WP File Download plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 6.3.8 via the 'remoteurl' parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. An authenticated attacker with Subscriber-level access first poisons the wpfdfilemetadata['file'] post-meta value via the unprotected file.save handler, after which the streaming endpoint — hooked on init with no authentication requirement — resolves and streams the traversed file path to any caller, including unauthenticated visitors.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can exploit this issue in a typical WordPress deployment?
An attacker needs an authenticated WordPress account with at least the Subscriber role to poison the file metadata. After that setup step, the affected streaming endpoint can be accessed by any caller, including an unauthenticated visitor.
What access and conditions are required to read a target file?
The attacker must first use the unprotected file.save handler to modify the _wpfd_file_metadata['file'] post-meta value with a traversed path. They can then request the streaming endpoint, which resolves and returns the referenced file contents.
Does this require an administrator account or user interaction?
No administrator account is required; Subscriber-level access or higher is sufficient for the metadata-poisoning step. No user interaction is required.
Which plugin versions are affected?
All WP File Download versions up to and including 6.3.8 are affected.