CVE-2026-9290 Scanner

WP User Manager - User Profile Builder & Membership is a popular WordPress plugin used to enhance the user management functionalities on a website. It allows website administrators to create custom user profiles, manage user roles, and offer membership features. Websites using WordPress often utilize this plugin to create comprehensive membership portals and community platforms. Its flexibility and extensive customization options make it a preferred choice for many WordPress sites needing robust user management and profile building features. The plugin is predominantly used by small to medium-sized businesses, bloggers, and online communities. The open-source nature of WP User Manager means that it can be freely modified, leading to widespread use and consistent development by a range of contributors.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to include files on a server through the web browser. This type of vulnerability arises when user input is allowed within a file path for server-side scripts and is not properly sanitized. In the context of WP User Manager, improper handling in the profile template function allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the LFI vulnerability. Due to this, attackers can execute arbitrary PHP code if they gain control over PHP files on the server. This vulnerability affects WP User Manager versions 2.9.17 and earlier, posing a significant risk if left unaddressed.

The vulnerability in WP User Manager arises from the improper handling of file paths in the profile template scope function, leading to a Local File Inclusion scenario. The attack occurs when an unauthenticated attacker can manipulate the file path input to access unintended local files on the server. Specifically, a crafted URL, such as in the 'GET /profile/admin/about?tab=../../../../../wp-login', allows attackers to access sensitive WordPress files. The essence of the exploit is the traversal through directory layers using '../' in the file path, eventually reaching and including critical server files. Understanding and patching this weak point is essential to ensure server security and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas.

When exploited, Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities can have severe consequences on a website's security. Attackers might execute malicious scripts by including server-side files they upload or control. This can lead to unauthorized access where attackers may obtain sensitive data, bypass access controls, or execute arbitrary code on the web server. The ability to perform such actions significantly affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web server and associated data. Beyond local impacts, this vulnerability might open pathways for further exploitation, especially if the server is part of a larger networked environment.

REFERENCES

• https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wordpress-wp-user-manager-user-profile-builder-membership-plugin-2-9-17-unauthenticated-path-traversal-to-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-9290