Plugin Name	BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types
Type of Vulnerability	Arbitrary File Deletion
CVE Number	CVE-2025-14997
Urgency	High
CVE Publish Date	2026-01-06
Source URL	CVE-2025-14997

Urgent Security Alert: Arbitrary File Deletion in BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types (<=1.2.8) — Immediate Steps for WordPress Site Owners

Security experts at Managed-WP have identified a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-14997) impacting the WordPress plugin BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types (plugin slug: bp-xprofile-custom-field-types) up to version 1.2.8. This flaw permits an authenticated user with as little as Subscriber-level privileges to execute arbitrary file deletions on your website, an example of broken access control with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.7. The plugin vendor has issued a patch in version 1.3.0. If your sites run this plugin, it is imperative you act immediately. This comprehensive advisory outlines the risk, detection, mitigation, and long-term security guidance.

As your trusted U.S.-based WordPress security specialist, Managed-WP is committed to delivering expert, practical advice grounded in real-world scenarios, to help you safeguard your sites against escalating threats.

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Executive Summary

• Vulnerability: Arbitrary File Deletion via Broken Access Control
• Impacted Plugin: BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types (slug: bp-xprofile-custom-field-types)
• Affected Versions: All versions <= 1.2.8
• Fixed Version: 1.3.0 (update immediately)
• Required Privilege: Authenticated user with Subscriber role
• CVE Identifier: CVE-2025-14997
• Severity: High (CVSS 7.7)
• Immediate Actions: Update plugin, enable WAF/virtual patching, restrict user registration, harden permissions, verify backups

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Why This Vulnerability Is a Significant Threat

Arbitrary file deletion vulnerabilities enable attackers to remove files critical to your WordPress site’s operation. While the flaw does not directly compromise data confidentiality, deleting key PHP files, configuration files such as .htaccess, or plugin/theme resources can render your site nonfunctional. Key risks include:

• Denial of Service: Take your site offline effectively and disrupt business operations.
• Security Bypass: Remove security configurations or plugin files that enforce restrictions.
• Data Loss: Delete backups, media uploads, or business-critical assets.
• Compound Attack Opportunities: Clear the path for malicious uploads or backdoor persistence.

This vulnerability is uniquely dangerous because merely requiring a Subscriber-level login means all sites with open registration or community features (e.g., BuddyPress) are exposed to potential exploitation.

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Technical Overview

• The vulnerability stems from insufficient access control on a file-handling function within the plugin. Subscriber-level authenticated users can send crafted requests causing file deletions on the server.
• Tracked as CVE-2025-14997 and responsibly disclosed.
• Vendor patched the issue in version 1.3.0.
• CVSS Vector: AV:N / AC:L / PR:L / UI:N / S:C / C:N / I:N / A:H — indicating network attack vector, low complexity, privilege required (low), no UI required, scope changed, high impact on availability.

Note: Exploit code is not included here. Treat this vulnerability as critical and deploy patching without delay.

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Attack Scenarios to Consider

1. Automated Mass Exploitation: Adversaries may create or leverage Subscriber accounts en masse to delete theme or plugin files, causing widespread outages across multiple sites.
2. Targeted Sabotage: Attackers may focus on deleting backup files or uploaded content, complicating recovery and incident response.
3. Multi-Stage Attacks: Deleting security plugin files to disable defenses, followed by injecting malicious payloads or phishing content.
4. Reputational Damage: Removing essential site pages can impact customer trust and revenue.

Given the low privilege level needed for this attack, any site with user registrations enabled or BuddyPress-based communities must be especially vigilant.

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Remote Exploit Feasibility

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network (HTTP/S) due to its accessibility from Subscriber accounts. If registration is open or social login is enabled, attackers can exploit this without manual intervention or operator interaction.

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How to Verify If Your Site Is Vulnerable

1. Confirm plugin installation and version:
   • WP Admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins — find “BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types”
   • WP-CLI: wp plugin list --format=csv | grep bp-xprofile-custom-field-types
   • Versions <= 1.2.8 are vulnerable
2. Verify physical plugin directory and version header:

   ls -la wp-content/plugins/bp-xprofile-custom-field-types

3. Review registration settings:
   • Settings → General → “Anyone can register” — if enabled, risk increases
   • Check Subscriber user count: wp user list --role=subscriber --format=csv | wc -l
4. Look for early indicators of compromise (detailed below).

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Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

If exploitation is suspected, watch for these signs:

• Missing or altered theme/plugin files causing 500 errors or site breakage.
• 404 errors on previously accessible plugin or theme files.
• PHP errors referencing missing include files when loading pages.
• Unexpected file deletions inside wp-content directories.
• Suspicious log entries showing Subscriber requests to plugin endpoints.
• Anomalies in user registration volume.
• Timestamp discrepancies on files or backups.

Quick method to audit recent file changes:

# Show files modified in last 3 days
find wp-content -type f -mtime -3 -ls

Immediate investigation is needed if discrepancies are found.

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Immediate Mitigation Steps

1. Update plugin to version 1.3.0 immediately:
   • WP Admin → Plugins → Update
   • WP-CLI: wp plugin update bp-xprofile-custom-field-types --version=1.3.0
   • Confirm site stability post-update
2. If immediate update isn’t possible:
   • Deactivate plugin: wp plugin deactivate bp-xprofile-custom-field-types
   • Or rename plugin folder temporarily:

     mv wp-content/plugins/bp-xprofile-custom-field-types wp-content/plugins/bp-xprofile-custom-field-types-disabled

3. Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) or virtual patch rules:
   • Block requests to vulnerable plugin endpoints involving file deletion operations
   • If you use Managed-WP’s WAF, enable available mitigation rules now
4. Restrict user registrations and login flows:
   • Disable “Anyone can register” in WordPress General Settings
   • If open registration is needed, enforce email verification, CAPTCHA, and manual approvals
5. Harden file and directory permissions:
   • Make sensitive files like wp-config.php read-only for the webserver user
   • Prevent PHP execution in wp-content/uploads using .htaccess or Nginx config
6. Secure and verify backups:
   • Store backups off-site with restricted access
   • Validate backup integrity regularly
7. Increase log monitoring:
   • Check access and error logs for unusual Subscriber activity
   • Set up alerts for suspicious requests to plugin endpoints

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Recommended WAF / Virtual Patching Strategies

Effective WAF rules should:

• Block POST requests targeting plugin-related paths containing suspicious parameters like delete, filepath, or path traversal strings (../).
• Detect and deny any parameter input with null bytes or directory traversal attempts.
• Restrict access to sensitive files such as wp-config.php, .htaccess, and backup archives.
• Rate-limit suspicious repeated requests from the same IP or authenticated user accounts.

Warning: Avoid overly broad rules that disrupt legitimate plugin functionality. Leverage managed virtual patching rules from recognized providers like Managed-WP for precise defence with minimal false positives.

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Incident Response – What To Do if You’ve Been Exploited

1. Isolate the Site: Put it into maintenance mode; disable the vulnerable plugin and block malicious traffic.
2. Preserve Evidence: Secure web server, application, and database logs; create read-only filesystem snapshots.
3. Restore from Clean Backup: Identify and verify recent uncompromised backups; restore to staging before production deployment.
4. Rebuild if Necessary: If backups are compromised, rebuild using clean WordPress core, plugins, and sanitized data.
5. Rotate Credentials and Security Keys: Reset all passwords (admins especially), rotate API keys, and update salts/secrets in wp-config.php.
6. Clean Up and Harden: Reinstall updated plugins, conduct malware scans, and strengthen file system permissions.
7. Ongoing Monitoring: Maintain elevated awareness for 30+ days; audit user accounts and log activities.
8. Document and Report: Record incident timeline and scope; report to stakeholders or regulators as applicable.

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Long-Term Hardening Best Practices

1. Least Privilege Enforcement: Ensure users only have necessary capabilities; limit Subscriber-level access.
2. Controlled User Registration: Disable open registrations or enforce multi-step verification.
3. Regular and Automated Patching: Establish a schedule to keep all plugins and themes updated.
4. Managed WAF Deployment: Utilize comprehensive firewall services that offer virtual patching and exploit mitigation.
5. Secure Backups: Keep backups offsite and inaccessible to the web server user.
6. File Integrity Monitoring: Deploy tools that detect file deletion or tampering promptly.
7. Periodic Security Audits: Review plugins, especially those exposing file operations or community features.
8. Upload Directory Hardening: Block PHP execution inside wp-content/uploads.
9. Plugin Vetting: Use trusted, actively maintained plugins with strong security records.

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Actionable Checklist for Site Owners

1. Confirm if vulnerable plugin version is installed.
2. If yes and ≤1.2.8, update immediately to 1.3.0.
3. If unable to update, deactivate or rename the plugin folder.
4. Apply virtual patching rules through WAF.
5. Disable or secure user registration flows.
6. Lock down filesystem permissions on sensitive files.
7. Ensure backups are intact and stored securely offsite.
8. Scan for signs of compromise and missing files.
9. Rotate all relevant user credentials and security keys.
10. Monitor logs and set alerting for suspicious Subscriber activity.

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Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: I updated the plugin to 1.3.0—do I need to do anything else?
A: Verify your website for errors, check logs for suspicious subscriber access before the update, and follow incident response if evidence is found.

Q: Should I uninstall the plugin instead?
A: If you do not require its functionality, uninstalling is an option. Otherwise, update and implement mitigation controls.

Q: Why can a Subscriber account delete files?
A: Normally, WordPress does not allow Subscribers to delete files. This is a plugin-specific improper authorization defect.

Q: How can I confirm if my site was attacked?
A: Check file integrity against backups, analyze access logs for unusual subscriber activity, and review error messages indicating missing files.

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Forensic Guidance for Security Teams

• Collect all relevant logs for at least 90 days focusing on plugin endpoint traffic.
• Gather application logs, authentication events, and database access records.
• Take a snapshot of your filesystem, especially the plugin folder.
• Export user account data, including creation and last login dates.
• Evaluate backup integrity and retention policies.
• Search hosting or server logs for deleted file artifacts or versioning.
• Create thorough incident documentation for compliance and remediation planning.

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The Role of Managed WAF and Virtual Patching

Virtual patching deployed by a managed WAF mitigates threats instantly by blocking exploit attempts before reaching vulnerable code. Between disclosure and full patch deployment, this approach closes critical windows of opportunity for attackers by:

• Identifying and blocking exploit-specific signatures and request patterns.
• Limiting repeated suspicious requests through rate controls.
• Preventing dangerous input data such as path traversal attempts.
• Providing logging and alerts for proactive incident handling.

If managing multiple WordPress instances or client sites, Managed-WP’s expert virtual patching service buys vital time to apply plugin updates thoroughly and securely.

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Post-Update Validation and Monitoring

• Test site frontend and admin functionalities thoroughly.
• Run comprehensive malware and integrity scans post-update.
• Validate all backups for integrity and restore capability.
• Establish logging and alerting focused on Subscriber behavior anomalies.
• For managed hosting environments, integrate update orchestration and version tracking.

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Final Remarks: Prioritize Patch Deployment

This vulnerability is a critical business and security risk due to the low level of attacker credentials required and potential to disrupt website availability entirely. Organizations running BuddyPress or community-oriented plugins with user registrations active must urgently update to version 1.3.0. When immediate patching isn’t feasible, utilize managed WAF virtual patching, limit registrations, implement permission hardening, and verify your backup posture.

Time is of the essence. Managed-WP stands ready to assist with detection, protection, and remediation services to mitigate risk and help you recover from compromise.

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References and Resources

• CVE-2025-14997 Official Advisory
• Plugin details available in WordPress Admin Plugin list under BuddyPress Xprofile Custom Field Types
• Update via WP-CLI: wp plugin update bp-xprofile-custom-field-types

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Maintain proactive patch management and enforce strong registration policies to protect your WordPress ecosystem. A quick plugin update and managed firewall protections today will save you costly and damaging incident responses tomorrow.

Managed-WP offers comprehensive scanning, hardening, and managed security solutions tailored to WordPress environments. Contact us for hands-on assistance and peace of mind.

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