Urgent: CVE-2025-10744 — Unauthenticated Information Exposure in ‘File Manager, Code Editor, and Backup by Managefy’ (≤ 1.6.1) — Immediate Actions for WordPress Site Administrators

Author: Managed-WP Security Team | Date: 2025-09-30 | Categories: Security, Vulnerability, WordPress | Tags: CVE-2025-10744, WordPress, plugin vulnerability, WAF, incident response

Executive Summary

On September 30, 2025, a significant security advisory was issued regarding the WordPress plugin “File Manager, Code Editor, and Backup by Managefy” affecting all versions up to and including 1.6.1. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-10744, allows unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive information without requiring credentials.

Managed-WP security experts strongly recommend that WordPress administrators, developers, and hosting providers prioritize the following steps to understand the vulnerability, determine exposure, and quickly implement containment and remediation measures.

• Assess risk exposure immediately.
• Identify affected installations.
• Deploy mitigation and patch the plugin.
• Harden site security to prevent exploitation.
• Consider virtual patching via a Web Application Firewall (WAF) for added protection.

This guidance is delivered with directness and technical precision, reflecting best practices from leading US cybersecurity professionals.

Understanding the Vulnerability

CVE-2025-10744 is an unauthenticated information disclosure within the File Manager, Code Editor, and Backup by Managefy WordPress plugin. Key points:

• Remote attackers without authentication can retrieve private files or configuration details.
• Potential exposure includes file names, file contents, backup information, and sensitive metadata.
• Affects all plugin versions at or below 1.6.1; version 1.6.2 contains the fix.
• Attackers only need HTTP/HTTPS access to the vulnerable site to attempt exploitation.

Why This Vulnerability Is Critical

While this flaw doesn’t allow direct code execution or database manipulation, its impact should not be underestimated. The compromised data may help attackers further escalate their attacks by:

• Revealing database credentials, salts, API keys, or file paths used for subsequent unauthorized actions.
• Exposing full backups which often contain entire website copies, including sensitive wp-config.php and user data.
• Disclosing server-side scripts or configuration files that facilitate Remote Code Execution (RCE) or Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF).
• Supporting reconnaissance and targeted exploitation campaigns by automated scanning tools.

Due to the lack of authentication and ease of automated exploitation, the window of risk is immediate upon public disclosure. Treat patching as mission-critical.

Who Needs to Take Action?

• All WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin version ≤ 1.6.1.
• Single-site and multisite WordPress installations alike.
• Sites where the plugin was removed but residual files or backups remain accessible.
• Managed hosting providers and platform operators with bundled or pre-installed plugins.

Immediate Response: What You Must Do in the Next Hour

1. Confirm if the vulnerable plugin is installed and its version:

   • Via WordPress Dashboard: Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins and locate File Manager, Code Editor, and Backup by Managefy.
   • Via command line (SSH) at site root:

     wp plugin list --path=/path/to/your/site

   • Check plugin folder and version header:

     grep -R "Plugin Name: File Manager" wp-content/plugins -n || true

   • Typical plugin path: wp-content/plugins/softdiscover-db-file-manager (confirm your installation).

2. If detected and running version ≤ 1.6.1, update the plugin immediately:

   • Through WP Dashboard: Click “Update now” on the plugin page.
   • Via CLI:

     wp plugin update softdiscover-db-file-manager --path=/path/to/your/site

   • If the plugin slug differs, use wp 插件列表 to confirm the correct identifier.

3. When immediate update isn’t possible, disable the plugin temporarily:

   wp plugin deactivate softdiscover-db-file-manager --path=/path/to/your/site

   Alternatively, deactivate via WP Dashboard.

4. Remove any backups publicly accessible through the webserver. These files should be relocated outside the web root immediately.
5. Rotate all exposed credentials discovered within backups or configuration files, including database passwords and API keys.
6. Preserve logs and enable detailed logging for forensic analysis.

Fast Mitigation Techniques When Updating Takes Time

If circumstances delay patching, implement these mitigations to reduce exposure:

• Restrict access to the plugin directory with webserver rules:
  • Apache (.htaccess example):

    <IfModule mod_authz_core.c>
        <FilesMatch "^(.*)$">
            Require ip 203.0.113.0/24
            # Or require valid-user
        </FilesMatch>
    </IfModule>
    <IfModule !mod_authz_core.c>
        Order deny,allow
        Deny from all
        Allow from 203.0.113.0/24
    </IfModule>
    

    Adjust IP ranges to trusted admin addresses only.

  • Nginx example:

    location ~* /wp-content/plugins/softdiscover-db-file-manager/ {
        allow 203.0.113.0/24;
        deny all;
    }
    

• Configure WAF rules to block suspicious HTTP GET/POST requests targeting file retrieval or backup download parameters.
• Block or restrict AJAX action requests seen in admin-ajax.php with suspicious parameter names like file=, path=， 或者 download where the user is not authenticated as admin.
• Use maintenance mode to limit exposure if exploitation is suspected and time is required for a thorough response.

Detecting Potential Exploitation

Monitor for the following indicators of compromise (IoCs):

• Unusual HTTP requests targeting the specific plugin directories or endpoints.
• High volume of requests from single IPs, indicative of scanning.
• Requests returning file contents (HTML, JSON, base64) unexpectedly.
• Unexpected modified or new files in uploads or plugin directories.
• Creation of unauthorized admin users, altered passwords, or strange cron jobs.
• Outbound network connections to unknown or suspicious domains.
• Accessible backup files in public web directories.

Logging recommendations:

• Analyze web server access logs filtering on plugin slug and unusual parameters.
• Check PHP error logs for anomalies after plugin interaction.
• Review WordPress audit logs with security plugins for suspicious admin-level changes.

Containment and Cleanup Procedures

1. Isolate the site immediately once compromise is confirmed; suspend public access and reset admin credentials.
2. Create a complete forensic backup including database and files before making further changes.
3. Update or remove the vulnerable plugin to version 1.6.2 or later.
4. Replace and rotate sensitive configuration files and credentials if exposed.
5. Scan the environment thoroughly for malware, web shells, and suspicious scheduled tasks.
6. Restore the site from trusted backups if necessary.
7. Rotate all administrative credentials (FTP, control panel, SSH keys).
8. Notify relevant stakeholders and customers promptly if you manage hosted WordPress instances.
9. Review logs carefully for evidence of data exfiltration and handle breach notification as required by law.

Long-Term Security Hardening

• Limit the use of in-browser file manager plugins—prefer SFTP/SSH for managing files.
• Apply the principle of least privilege: restrict plugin features to trusted administrators only.
• Store backups securely offsite—never in web-accessible folders.
• Implement automatic updates for trusted plugins or test updates thoroughly in staging.
• Deploy a WAF to filter and block exploit attempts proactively.
• Use security tools that monitor file integrity and log critical changes.
• Regularly audit plugins for known vulnerabilities and remove deprecated components.

How Managed-WP Supports You: Virtual Patching & Detection

Managed-WP applies a dual approach to protect your WordPress environment:

1. Virtual patching via WAF rules:
   • We implement specific patterns blocking exploit attempts targeting this vulnerability.
   • Virtual patches provide a safety buffer for sites unable to upgrade immediately.
   • Our tuning reduces false positives, ensuring minimal business disruption.
2. Active monitoring and alerting:
   • Continuous log analysis for unusual plugin access or large file downloads.
   • Alerts and actionable reports sent promptly to site administrators.

Below are example WAF rules for your reference and implementation:

Sample ModSecurity rule (conceptual – test before deployment):

SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS "@rx /(wp-content/plugins/softdiscover-db-file-manager|softdiscover-db-file-manager)/i" 
  "id:1005001,phase:2,deny,log,msg:'Block suspicious access to File Manager plugin',severity:2,tag:'wp-vuln-CVE-2025-10744'"

SecRule REQUEST_METHOD "GET|POST" 
  "chain,phase:2,deny,log,id:1005002,msg:'Block likely file-download attempts to vulnerable plugin endpoints'
   SecRule ARGS_NAMES|ARGS|REQUEST_URI|REQUEST_HEADERS|REQUEST_BODY "@rx (file=|path=|backup|download|get_file|get_backup|zip=|contents=)""

Notes:

• Adjust rule IDs and configurations according to your environment.
• Always test new rules in a staging environment to avoid false positives.

Example Nginx rule to block direct plugin directory access:

location ~* ^/wp-content/plugins/softdiscover-db-file-manager/ {
    return 403;
}

If administrative access is required from specific IPs, include allow / deny directives accordingly.

Developer Best Practices: Security Implementation Guidelines

• Never expose file content or backups via unauthenticated endpoints.
• Enforce strict capability checks using functions like current_user_can('manage_options').
• Utilize nonce verification for AJAX calls that alter or expose sensitive data.
• Avoid storing secrets within web-accessible directories; secure them with strong access control.
• Validate and sanitize all file path inputs rigorously to prevent path traversal or unauthorized access.
• Log all access to sensitive plugin endpoints for auditing.

Environment Audit Commands and Tips

• List all plugins and their versions via WP-CLI:

  wp plugin list --format=table

• Locate plugin folder on disk:

  ls -la wp-content/plugins | grep -i softdiscover || true

• Search access logs for plugin-specific requests:

  grep -i "softdiscover-db-file-manager" /var/log/nginx/access.log* | tail -n 200

• Look for backup files:

  find . -type f -iname "*backup*.zip" -o -iname "*backup*.tar*" -maxdepth 4

Recommended Incident Response Timeline

1. 0–1 hour: Identify if the plugin is installed and vulnerable; update or deactivate immediately.
2. 1–3 hours: Apply webserver and WAF restrictions; analyze logs for suspicious activity.
3. 3–24 hours: Preserve forensic data; complete full malware scans; remove exposed backups.
4. 24–72 hours: Conduct detailed forensic investigation if required; rotate credentials; restore from clean backups as needed.
5. Post-incident: Review policies and controls; enable enhanced monitoring; consider managed protection services.

Communicating to Customers & Stakeholders

Here is a sample communication template for impacted customers:

• We identified a security vulnerability in the third-party plugin File Manager by Managefy (versions ≤ 1.6.1) that could permit unauthorized users to access files or backups. A fix is available in version 1.6.2, which we have deployed or disabled accordingly. We have also removed any publicly accessible backups and are monitoring for suspicious activity. We strongly advise all users to update to the latest version and maintain WAF protections during this investigation.

常见问题

Q: Does updating to version 1.6.2 fully resolve the issue?
A: Yes, the update patches the vulnerability. However, sites should still audit for evidence of prior compromise and rotate any exposed credentials.

Q: Does deactivating the plugin stop the vulnerability?
A: Deactivation prevents execution of the vulnerable code but does not remove exposed backup files. Removing public backups is critical.

Q: Should the plugin be removed permanently?
A: Removing unused file management plugins reduces attack surface. Use secure file transfer methods like SFTP/SSH instead of browser-based managers where possible.

WAF Indicators to Monitor

• Repeated requests targeting plugin folders with parameters related to files or backups.
• Requests resulting in unusually large responses suggestive of file downloads.
• Traffic from TOR exit nodes or known scanning IP addresses hitting the plugin’s endpoints.
• Suspicious user agent strings accompanying plugin access attempts.

Recovery Checklist

• Update plugin to version 1.6.2 or later.
• Remove any web-accessible backups.
• Rotate credentials if sensitive data was exposed.
• Conduct malware and file integrity scans.
• Restore from a clean backup if required.
• Implement stringent access controls on the plugin directory if the plugin cannot be removed.
• Enable WAF virtual patching until the plugin is updated fleet-wide.

Protect Your WordPress Site Immediately — Start with Managed-WP Free Plan

For WordPress site managers seeking immediate defense, Managed-WP offers a free Basic protection plan with:

• Managed firewall with unlimited bandwidth,
• Robust application-layer WAF,
• Malware scanning and alerting,
• Coverage against OWASP Top 10 risks.

Activate your free protection and deploy automated security layers within minutes by signing up here: https://my.wp-firewall.com/buy/wp-firewall-free-plan/

Consider upgrading to Standard or Pro plans for advanced malware removal, IP allow/deny management, monthly security reports, and automatic vulnerability virtual patching.

Closing Thoughts from Managed-WP Security Experts

Information disclosure vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-10744 underscore the risks posed by convenient but complex features such as browser-based file managers. Rapid response matters—patch promptly, contain risks, and conduct thorough inspections to ensure your environment remains secure.

For organizations seeking hands-on assistance with virtual patching, custom WAF rules, or forensic investigations, our Managed-WP security team is ready to support you. Begin with our free baseline protection plan, then consider enhanced managed services tailored to your needs.

Keep your WordPress environments secure, maintain updated plugins, and treat file access controls as critical security boundaries.

— Managed-WP Security Team