PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-15450 webaways CVE debrief
The Nex Forms – Ultimate Form Builder – Lite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion via path traversal in versions up to, and including, 9.2.3. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with admin-level access and above to delete arbitrary files on the affected site's server, including wp-config, due to insufficient validation in the delete_file() AJAX handler and the insert_record() AJAX handler. The plugin's user-level option configuration may also impact exploitability. Administrators should review access controls, monitor for suspicious activity, and apply vendor remediation when available. Evidence is limited to public sources and vendor disclosures, and defenders should verify affected installations and implement compensating controls.
- Vendor
- webaways
- Product
- NEX-Forms – Ultimate Forms Plugin for WordPress
- CVSS
- HIGH 8.1
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-08-01
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-08-01
- Advisory published
- 2026-08-01
- Advisory updated
- 2026-08-01
Who should care
Administrators of WordPress sites using the Nex Forms – Ultimate Form Builder – Lite plugin, especially those with admin-level access and above, should be aware of the potential for arbitrary file deletion. They should review access controls, monitor for suspicious activity, and apply vendor remediation when available.
Technical summary
The Nex Forms – Ultimate Form Builder – Lite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion via path traversal in versions up to, and including, 9.2.3. This is due to the delete_file() AJAX handler retrieving a file path from the database and passing it directly to unlink() with no validation, combined with the insert_record() AJAX handler that lets the same authenticated user store an arbitrary value in the target 'location' column.
Defensive priority
Authenticated attackers with admin-level access and above can delete arbitrary files on the affected site's server.
Recommended defensive actions
- Inventory vulnerable installations of the Nex Forms – Ultimate Form Builder – Lite plugin for WordPress.
- Apply vendor remediation when available.
- Monitor for suspicious file deletion activity.
- Implement compensating controls, such as restricting access to sensitive files.
- Review access controls for the plugin's user-level option.
- Track exceptions and retest remediated assets.
- Close the item only after evidence is documented.
Evidence notes
The vulnerability exists due to the delete_file() AJAX handler retrieving a file path from the database and passing it directly to unlink() with no validation. This issue allows authenticated attackers with admin-level access and above to delete arbitrary files on the affected site's server, including wp-config. Evidence is limited to public sources and vendor disclosures. Defenders should verify affected installations, review access controls, and monitor for suspicious file deletion activity.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2026-15450 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-15450
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-15450 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-15450
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder/tags/9.2.3/includes/classes/class.db.php
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder/tags/9.2.3/includes/classes/class.db.php
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/nex-forms-express-wp-form-builder/tags/9.2.3/includes/classes/class.db.php
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.