CVE-2021-4356 - Frontend File Manager Plugin
CVE-2021-4356
The Frontend File Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Download
in versions up to, and including, 18.2. This is due to lacking authentication protections, capability checks, and sanitization, all on the wpfm_file_meta_update AJAX action. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to download arbitrary files on the site, potentially leading to site takeover.
CVE-2021-4356
CRITICAL
CVSS 9.0
Published 2023-06-07
Updated 2026-04-08
AI Risk Critical (98/100)
Active Exploit: No strong signal
Published Exploit: No public exploit references
Priority: P1 Immediate
Severity Band
CRITICAL
CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Affected Components
1
Reference Links
3
AI Risk Engine
Critical (98/100)
Exploitability
Very High
Active Exploitation
No strong signal
Published Exploit Status
No public exploit references
AI Context
Machine-generated threat intelligence
AI
Updated 4 days ago
AI enriched 4 days ago (2026-04-12 03:34 UTC)
Technical Summary
The Frontend File Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Download
in versions up to, and including, 18.2. This is due to lacking authentication protections, capability checks, and sanitization, all on the wpfm_file_meta_update AJAX action. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to download arbitrary files on the site, potentially leading to site takeover.
Potential Impact
Severity is CRITICAL (CVSS 9.0). Depending on deployment context, affected components may be exposed to unauthorized actions or data integrity risk.
Exploitability Assessment
Exploitability is assessed as Very High based on remote code execution potential, low-bar exploit prerequisites.
Primary risk drivers: remote code execution potential, low-bar exploit prerequisites
Mitigation Recommendations
Validate affected product versions, prioritize patching, and monitor references for vendor remediation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, apply compensating controls and limit exposure of vulnerable surfaces.
Detection & Monitoring
Track authentication anomalies, unexpected file writes, and suspicious plugin API activity around affected components.
Business Impact Lens
AI risk score 98/100 (Critical, Very High) with priority P1 Immediate. Prioritize remediation where affected components process customer data, admin sessions, or Internet-exposed workflows.