HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2023-2278
CRITICAL

CVE-2023-2278

CWE-22Published: June 13, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in versions up to, and including, 1.1.9 via the 'wdk_public_action' function. This allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress contains a local file inclusion vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. This critical flaw carries a CVSS score of 9.8, posing a significant risk of full system compromise.

No public exploit is currently known, and the vulnerability is not in the CISA KEV. It is remotely exploitable with low complexity.

Recommended Action

Update the WP Directory Kit plugin to a version beyond 1.1.9. Implement file integrity monitoring and restrict directory access to prevent unauthorized file inclusion.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-2278 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

wpdirectorykit1 product(s)
wp directory kit
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (6)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2023-2278
CVSS Score9.8 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-22
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJun 13, 2023

Related CVEs (CWE-22)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2023-2278 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.