Platform
wordpress
Component
avatar
Fixed in
0.1.5
CVE-2025-3520 describes an arbitrary file access vulnerability discovered in the Avatar plugin for WordPress. This flaw allows authenticated attackers, even those with Subscriber-level access, to delete files on the server. The most severe impact arises when critical configuration files, such as wp-config.php, are deleted, potentially leading to remote code execution. Versions 0.0.0 through 0.1.4 are affected, and a patch is expected to be released by the plugin developers.
The primary impact of CVE-2025-3520 is the ability for an authenticated attacker to delete arbitrary files on a WordPress server. While seemingly limited to file deletion, the potential for remote code execution is significant. Deleting wp-config.php, which contains sensitive database credentials and configuration settings, would effectively grant the attacker complete control over the WordPress installation. They could then modify the database, upload malicious code, or redirect traffic. The ease of exploitation, requiring only Subscriber-level access, significantly broadens the attack surface. This vulnerability shares similarities with other file deletion vulnerabilities where the deletion of critical system files can lead to complete system compromise.
CVE-2025-3520 was publicly disclosed on April 18, 2025. There is currently no indication of active exploitation campaigns targeting this vulnerability. The EPSS score is likely to be medium, given the relatively low complexity of exploitation and the potential for significant impact. No public proof-of-concept (PoC) code has been released at the time of this writing, but the vulnerability's nature makes it likely that a PoC will emerge.
Exploit Status
EPSS
4.88% (89% percentile)
CISA SSVC
CVSS Vector
The immediate mitigation for CVE-2025-3520 is to upgrade the Avatar plugin to a patched version as soon as it becomes available. If upgrading is not immediately feasible due to compatibility issues or breaking changes, consider restricting file permissions on the WordPress server to prevent unauthorized file access and deletion. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block suspicious file deletion attempts. Regularly monitor WordPress logs for unusual file access or deletion activity. While a direct detection signature is difficult to create, monitoring for modifications to wp-config.php is crucial.
Actualice el plugin Avatar a una versión corregida (posterior a la 0.1.4) para mitigar la vulnerabilidad de eliminación arbitraria de archivos. Asegúrese de realizar una copia de seguridad completa del sitio antes de actualizar cualquier plugin. Revise los permisos de usuario para limitar el acceso a archivos sensibles.
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CVE-2025-3520 is a HIGH severity vulnerability affecting the Avatar WordPress plugin versions 0.0.0–0.1.4, allowing authenticated users to delete arbitrary files, potentially leading to remote code execution.
You are affected if your WordPress website uses the Avatar plugin in versions 0.0.0 through 0.1.4. Check your plugin versions immediately.
Upgrade the Avatar plugin to the latest available version as soon as a patch is released by the plugin developers. If upgrading is not possible, implement temporary mitigations like restricting file permissions.
There is currently no confirmed evidence of active exploitation, but the vulnerability's ease of exploitation suggests it could become a target.
Refer to the Avatar plugin's official website or WordPress plugin repository for updates and security advisories related to CVE-2025-3520.
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