CVE-2025-12529 Overview
CVE-2025-12529 is a high-severity arbitrary file deletion vulnerability affecting the Cost Calculator Builder plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient file path validation in the deleteOrdersFiles() function in all versions up to and including 3.6.3. This flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary file paths into orders, which are then deleted when an administrator removes the orders. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution when critical files such as wp-config.php are deleted.
This vulnerability requires both the Cost Calculator Builder Pro version and the free version to be installed for exploitation to be possible. The attack leverages a path traversal weakness (CWE-73: External Control of File Name or Path) to manipulate file deletion operations beyond the intended scope.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can achieve remote code execution by manipulating file deletion operations to remove critical WordPress configuration files, potentially leading to complete site compromise.
Affected Products
- Cost Calculator Builder plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 3.6.3 (free version)
- Cost Calculator Builder Pro plugin (required alongside free version for exploitation)
- WordPress installations running vulnerable plugin combinations
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-02 - CVE-2025-12529 published to NVD
- 2025-12-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-12529
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the CCBOrderController.php file within the Cost Calculator Builder plugin. Specifically, the deleteOrdersFiles() function fails to properly validate and sanitize file paths before performing deletion operations. The vulnerable code is located at lines 262 and 513 of the affected controller file.
With a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 (HIGH) and vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, this vulnerability presents significant risk due to:
- Network Attack Vector: Exploitable remotely without local access
- Low Attack Complexity: No specialized conditions required
- No Privileges Required: Unauthenticated attackers can initiate the attack
- User Interaction Required: An administrator must delete the malicious order
The EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) indicates a 0.156% probability of exploitation, placing this vulnerability in the 37th percentile for exploitation likelihood.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-12529 is improper input validation in the file path handling mechanism. The deleteOrdersFiles() function accepts file paths without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject path traversal sequences (such as ../) or absolute paths. This falls under CWE-73: External Control of File Name or Path, where externally-controlled input is used to construct file paths without proper validation.
The plugin fails to implement proper safeguards such as:
- Basename extraction to prevent directory traversal
- Whitelist validation of allowed file locations
- Canonicalization of file paths before processing
Attack Vector
The attack follows a multi-stage exploitation pattern:
- Order Creation: The attacker creates an order through the plugin's public-facing interface, injecting a malicious file path (e.g., ../../wp-config.php) into order metadata
- Payload Storage: The malicious path is stored in the database associated with the order
- Triggered Deletion: When an administrator deletes the order through the WordPress admin panel, the deleteOrdersFiles() function processes the stored path without validation
- Critical File Removal: The injected path causes deletion of targeted files outside the intended directory
- Remote Code Execution: Deletion of wp-config.php forces WordPress into installation mode, allowing the attacker to reconfigure the site with malicious database credentials or achieve code execution
The vulnerability mechanism involves path traversal sequences being processed by the file deletion function. When an administrator initiates order cleanup, the function iterates through associated file paths and deletes them without verifying they reside within permitted directories. Technical details can be found in the WordPress Plugin Trac references.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-12529
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected deletion of critical WordPress files (wp-config.php, .htaccess, plugin files)
- Orders containing suspicious file paths with traversal sequences (../, absolute paths)
- WordPress site entering installation mode unexpectedly
- Database entries in order tables containing malicious path patterns
- File system audit logs showing deletion of files outside plugin directories
Detection Strategies
Organizations should implement the following detection mechanisms:
Log Analysis: Review web server access logs for unusual order creation patterns, particularly requests containing encoded path traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f or ..%2f).
File Integrity Monitoring: Deploy file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes or deletions to critical WordPress files. SentinelOne Singularity provides real-time file system monitoring that can alert on suspicious deletion activities.
Database Monitoring: Implement database activity monitoring to detect insertion of orders containing suspicious file path patterns.
WordPress Audit Plugins: Utilize security audit plugins to log administrative actions, particularly order deletion operations.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed logging for the Cost Calculator Builder plugin operations
- Configure alerts for deletion of files outside expected plugin directories
- Monitor WordPress admin panel access for unusual order management activities
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect path traversal attempts in form submissions
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor file system operations on web servers
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-12529
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Cost Calculator Builder plugin to the latest patched version immediately
- Audit existing orders in the database for suspicious file path entries
- Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress files
- Review web server logs for indicators of exploitation attempts
- Consider temporarily disabling the plugin if immediate patching is not possible
Patch Information
Organizations should update the Cost Calculator Builder plugin through the WordPress admin dashboard or by downloading the latest version from the official WordPress plugin repository. Verify the installed version is higher than 3.6.3 to ensure protection against this vulnerability.
For detailed vulnerability information, refer to:
- Wordfence Threat Intelligence Advisory
- WordPress Plugin Trac - CCBOrderController.php Line 262
- WordPress Plugin Trac - CCBOrderController.php Line 513
Workarounds
If immediate patching is not feasible, implement the following temporary mitigations:
Restrict Plugin Access: Limit administrative access to trusted users only and implement multi-factor authentication for WordPress admin accounts.
Web Application Firewall Rules: Configure WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns targeting the Cost Calculator Builder plugin endpoints.
File System Permissions: Implement restrictive file system permissions to prevent the web server process from deleting critical WordPress files.
# Secure critical WordPress files with restrictive permissions
chmod 440 wp-config.php
chown root:www-data wp-config.php
# Make wp-config.php immutable (Linux)
chattr +i wp-config.php
# Configure write protection on critical directories
chmod 555 /var/www/html/wp-admin
chmod 555 /var/www/html/wp-includes
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
