CVE-2025-3520
Published: 18 April 2025
Summary
CVE-2025-3520 is a high-severity Path Traversal (CWE-22) vulnerability in Wordpress (inferred from references). Its CVSS base score is 8.1 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 9.9% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
The Avatar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in a function present in all versions up to and including 0.1.4. The flaw is tracked as CVE-2025-3520, carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1, and is classified under CWE-22.
Authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher can supply crafted input to delete arbitrary files on the underlying server. Successful exploitation can remove critical files such as wp-config.php, which readily leads to remote code execution on the affected WordPress installation.
The referenced advisories and plugin repository entries identify the vulnerable code path but do not detail specific patch releases or configuration workarounds beyond updating the plugin.
EPSS for the CVE has risen from a low baseline to a peak of 0.0715, indicating emerging exploitation interest after disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2025-11807
Vulnerability details
The Avatar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in a function in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above,…
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to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Validates pathnames and filenames to prevent traversal outside intended directories.