The Folders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the handle_folders_file_upload function in versions up to, and including, 2.9.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-level permissions or above, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.
CVE-2023-40204 is a high severity with CVSS 8.8 Remote Code Execution issue affecting the Plugin Folders – Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager. It affects Versions up to 2.9.2 and is fixed in 2.9.3.
Use the related hub and response guides to connect this CVE-2023-40204 report with patch validation, scanner checks, and site hardening work.
Open the grouped hub for related CVEs, affected ranges, severity mix, and patch coverage.
Check access, XML-RPC exposure, backup readiness, and monitoring after patching.
Use containment, evidence capture, remediation, and validation steps when exploit risk is high.
CVE-2023-40204 is tracked for the Plugin Folders – Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager as high severity with CVSS 8.8. The affected range is Versions up to 2.9.2. Update Folders – Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager to 2.9.3 or newer where that version is compatible with the site.
Search engines and operators need more than a title. This page exposes the identifier, affected range, patch evidence, and source coverage that make the vulnerability actionable.
This report has a CVE identifier, which makes it suitable for focused search and vulnerability triage workflows.
Affected version data gives operators a concrete comparison point against installed WordPress software.
A fixed version is present, so the page can answer update and remediation intent directly.
External references are available for source validation, advisory review, and incident notes.
Use these checks when converting this record into a patch ticket, incident note, or risk acceptance decision.
Inventory the installed Plugin package and compare its version with Versions up to 2.9.2.
Confirm Folders – Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager is updated to 2.9.3 or newer.
Review references and CVSS vector details for exploitability, authentication requirements, and exposure path.
After patching, re-run vulnerability monitoring and keep the related plugin or theme hub under review for follow-up CVEs.
| Software Type | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Software Slug |
folders
View on wordpress.org
|
| CVE | CVE-2023-40204 |
| Patched Versions |
2.9.3
|
| Affected Versions |
Versions up to 2.9.2
|
These internal links group the same WordPress plugin by CVE, issue type, severity, and patch status so operators and search engines can connect the full vulnerability cluster.
Folders – Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager <= 3.0.3 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File Upload
Folders Pro <= 3.0.2 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via User First Name and Last Name
Folders – Unlimited Folders to Organize Media Library Folder, Pages, Posts, File Manager <= 3.1.5 - Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Author+) Media Replacement
Folders <= 3.1.5 - Incorrect Authorization to Authenticated (Contributor+) Folder Content Manipulation
Folders <= 3.0 and Folders Pro <= 3.0.2 - Directory Traversal via handle_folders_file_upload
Folders <= 2.9.2 - Authenticated (Author+) Arbitrary File Upload
This record contains material that is subject to copyright
License: Defiant hereby grants you a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, no-charge, royalty-free, irrevocable copyright license to reproduce, prepare derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, sublicense, and distribute this software vulnerability information. Any copy of the software vulnerability information you make for such purposes is authorized provided that you include a hyperlink to this vulnerability record and reproduce Defiant's copyright designation and this license in any such copy. Read more
License: CVE Usage: MITRE hereby grants you a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, no-charge, royalty-free, irrevocable copyright license to reproduce, prepare derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, sublicense, and distribute Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE®). Any copy you make for such purposes is authorized provided that you reproduce MITRE's copyright designation and this license in any such copy. Read more
