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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-49766 WP User Manager CVE debrief

CVE-2026-49766 is a critical vulnerability in the WP User Manager plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 2.9.16. This vulnerability allows a subscriber to delete arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to significant impacts such as data loss, defacement, or even code execution if sensitive files are targeted.

Vendor
WP User Manager
Product
Unknown
CVSS
CRITICAL 9.9
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-06-15
Original CVE updated
2026-06-15
Advisory published
2026-06-15
Advisory updated
2026-06-15

Who should care

Administrators and security teams responsible for WordPress installations using the WP User Manager plugin, especially those allowing subscriber registrations, should be aware of this vulnerability and take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is characterized by an improper handling of file deletion operations within the WP User Manager plugin. Specifically, it allows users with subscriber-level privileges to delete files anywhere on the server that the web server has permission to access. This could include sensitive configuration files, .htaccess files, or even files containing sensitive data.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update the WP User Manager plugin to a version that fixes this vulnerability (version > 2.9.16).
  • Review server logs for any suspicious file deletion activities.
  • Consider temporarily restricting file deletion capabilities for subscriber accounts until the update can be applied.
  • Monitor the plugin's changelog and security advisories for any related updates or patches.

Evidence notes

Evidence of this vulnerability and its impact can be found in the CVE record and related security advisories. The CVSS score of 9.9 indicates a critical severity level, emphasizing the urgent need for remediation.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-49766 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-49766

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-49766 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-49766

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

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.