The WooCommerce Purchase Orders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_f...
Description
The WooCommerce Purchase Orders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_file() function in all versions up to, and including, 1
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Update WordPress plugin/theme to the latest version. Review WordPress security settings and remove if no longer needed.
Executive Summary:
A high-severity vulnerability has been identified in the WooCommerce Purchase Orders plugin for WordPress, assigned CVE-2025-5391. This flaw allows an attacker to delete arbitrary files on the server, including critical WordPress configuration files. Successful exploitation could lead to a complete website denial of service, data loss, and a degradation of the site's overall security posture.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2025-5391
Affected Software: WordPress WooCommerce Purchase Orders plugin
Affected Versions: All versions up to and including 1.0
Vulnerability: The vulnerability exists within the
delete_file()function of the plugin. Due to insufficient validation of user-supplied file paths, an attacker can use path traversal techniques (e.g.,../../..) to specify a file location outside of the intended directory. A low-privileged authenticated attacker could craft a malicious request to this function, tricking the application into deleting critical system files such aswp-config.php,.htaccess, or other essential plugin and theme files, leading to a denial of service or creating opportunities for further compromise.Business Impact
This vulnerability is rated as High severity with a CVSS score of 8.1. Exploitation can have a significant negative impact on business operations. Deleting core configuration files can render the entire website inaccessible, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS) condition that leads to reputational damage and lost revenue. Furthermore, the deletion of security-related files or user data could compromise the integrity of the application, lead to data loss, and weaken security controls, making the website more susceptible to subsequent attacks.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action:
Proactive Monitoring:
../,%2e%2e/, etc.) in request parameters.Compensating Controls:
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: false
Analyst Notes: As of August 12, 2025, there are no known public proof-of-concept exploits or active attacks targeting this vulnerability. However, vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins are frequently targeted by threat actors shortly after disclosure. The vulnerability is not currently listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.
Analyst Recommendation
Given the high CVSS score of 8.1 and the severe potential impact of arbitrary file deletion, we strongly recommend that organizations using the affected plugin prioritize remediation immediately. The risk of website downtime and security degradation is substantial. All instances of the WooCommerce Purchase Orders plugin should be updated to the latest version without delay. If the plugin is not critical, it should be removed as the most effective mitigation strategy.