CVE-2025-14997
Published: 06 January 2026
Description
The BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the 'delete_field' function in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.8. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers,…
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with Subscriber-level access and above, 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).
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5)AI
Directly requires timely patching of the insufficient file path validation flaw in the BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types plugin, preventing arbitrary file deletion exploits.
Implements input validation at entry points to block path traversal manipulations in the delete_field function that enable arbitrary file deletions.
Scans for and remediates vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-14997 in WordPress plugins, identifying vulnerable versions for prompt flaw correction.
Security SummaryAI
CVE-2025-14997 is an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in the BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 1.2.8. The issue arises from insufficient file path validation in the 'delete_field' function, classified under CWE-22 (Path Traversal) with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
Authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability over the network with low complexity and no user interaction required. By manipulating file paths, they can delete arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to remote code execution through the deletion of critical files such as wp-config.php.
Wordfence's threat intelligence advisory provides detailed analysis of the vulnerability (https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/89a7a717-dac3-490e-89dd-268be8eb7bf5?source=cve). The vulnerable code is visible in the plugin's tag 1.2.8 at https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/bp-xprofile-custom-field-types/tags/1.2.8/src/handlers/class-field-upload-helper.php, and a patch is available via changeset 3430565 at https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3430565/bp-xprofile-custom-field-types. Security practitioners should update the plugin immediately to mitigate the risk.
Details
- CWE(s)
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
The vulnerability enables exploitation of a public-facing WordPress plugin (T1190) via path traversal, directly allowing arbitrary file deletion (T1070.004).