Vulnerabilities

Simple File List, a WordPress plugin for publishing downloadable file lists, is vulnerable to unauthenticated remote code execution in all versions up to and including 4.2.2 (CWE-434). The flaw is in the plugin's rename function: an attacker first uploads a file containing PHP code with a harmless .png extension, then abuses the rename function to change that file's extension to .php, turning the upload into an executable script on the server. Because the upload and rename operations require no authentication, any remote attacker can run arbitrary code on the web server, which can lead to complete site compromise, webshells, or backdoor installation. All WordPress sites running Simple File List 4.2.2 or earlier are affected, on the order of tens of thousands of installations based on the plugin's active-install count. Public proof-of-concept exploits are available and the vulnerability carries a high EPSS score (44.7% probability of exploitation in 30 days, 99th percentile), though it is not yet listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Do: Update Simple File List to the latest release (any version newer than 4.2.2); there is no configuration mitigation since the attack requires no authentication. Until patched, check the plugin's upload directory for unexpected .php files and renamed .png uploads, and review web server logs for unauthenticated requests to the plugin's upload/rename endpoints. Given ongoing WordPress plugin exploitation campaigns reported in 2026 (e.g., WP-SHELLSTORM), also scan already-patched sites for webshells and backdoors in case exploitation already occurred.

The Simple File List WordPress plugin before 6.1.13 does not sanitise and escape a generated URL before outputting it back in an attribute, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting which could be used against admins.

Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Mitchell Bennis Simple File List plugin <= 6.1.9 versions.

The Simple File List WordPress plugin before 6.0.10 does not sanitise and escape some of its settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup).

The Simple File List WordPress plugin before 4.4.12 does not implement nonce checks, which could allow attackers to make a logged in admin create new page and change it's content via a CSRF attack.

The Simple File List WordPress plugin before 4.4.12 does not escape parameters before outputting them back in attributes, leading to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting

The Simple File List WordPress plugin is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Download via the eeFile parameter found in the ~/includes/ee-downloader.php file due to missing controls which makes it possible unauthenticated attackers to supply a path to a file that will subsequently be downloaded, in versions up to and including 3.2.7.

WordPress Plugin Simple File List before 4.2.8 is prone to a vulnerability that lets attackers delete arbitrary files because the application fails to properly verify user-supplied input.