Download Manager <= 3.2.50 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Arbitrary File Deletion
The Download Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion in versions up to, and including 3.2.50. This is due to insufficient file type and path validation on the deleteFiles() function found in the ~/Admin/Menu/Packages.php file that triggers upon download post deletion. This makes it possible for contributor level users and above to supply an arbitrary file path via the 'file[files]' parameter when creating a download post and once the user deletes the post the supplied arbitrary file will be deleted. This can be used by attackers to delete the /wp-config.php file which will reset the installation and make it possible for an attacker to achieve remote code execution on the server.
CVE-2022-2431 is a high severity with CVSS 8.8 Remote Code Execution issue affecting the Plugin Download Manager. It affects Versions up to 3.2.50 and is fixed in 3.2.51.
Review the full Download Manager vulnerability cluster
Use the related hub and response guides to connect this CVE-2022-2431 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-2022-2431 is tracked for the Plugin Download Manager as high severity with CVSS 8.8. The affected range is Versions up to 3.2.50. Update Download Manager to 3.2.51 or newer where that version is compatible with the site.
Why this report is useful for search and triage
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.
How to validate this finding
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 3.2.50.
Confirm Download Manager is updated to 3.2.51 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 |
download-manager
View on wordpress.org
|
| CVE | CVE-2022-2431 |
| Patched Versions |
3.2.51
|
| Affected Versions |
Versions up to 3.2.50
|
Related CVEs for Download Manager
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.
Download Manager <= 3.3.12 - Authenticated (Author+) Arbitrary File Deletion
Download Manager <= 3.2.49 - Authenticated (Contributor+) PHAR Deserialization
Download Manager <= 3.2.48 - Cross-Site Request Forgery to Plugin Settings Update
Download Manager <= 3.2.48 - Cross-Site Request Forgery
WordPress Download Manager <= 3.2.33 - Authenticated SQL Injection
WordPress Download Manager <= 2.7.2 - Authenticated Arbitrary Options Update
Download Manager <= 3.2.89 - Improper Authorization via protectMediaLibrary
Download Manager <= 3.2.38 - Unauthenticated Brute Force of File Master Key
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