CVE-2022-1390Admin Word Count Column Path Traversal
The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfile(), which could allow unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on server running old version of PHP susceptible to the null byte technique.
Published Apr 25, 2022 · Updated Jul 29, 2026 · Also known as 7520010f-c402-4fe9-82dc-a973ce446765, WORDFENCE-7520010f-c402-4fe9-82dc-a973ce446765
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2022-1390 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Admin Word Count Column (Admin Word Count Column Project).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Oct 14, 2023. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 22% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Admin Word Count Column <=2.2, Admin Word Count Column 2.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
22%
Higher than 97.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
39/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Oct 14, 2023
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
11
Reports of active use
Description
The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfile(), which could allow unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on server running old version of PHP susceptible to the null byte technique. This could also lead to RCE by using a Phar Deserialization technique
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRCL KEV | Oct 14, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Oct 14, 2023 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Admin Word Count ColumnAdmin Word Count Column Project | >= 2.2 | 2.2 |
Patched Releases
Admin Word Count Column
<=2.2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 25, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Oct 14, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
Oct 14, 2023
Last updated
Jul 29, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisorywordfence.com · 7520010f-c402-4fe9-82dc-a973ce446765
- advisorywordfence.com · 7520010f-c402-4fe9-82dc-a973ce446765
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfile(), which could allow unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on server running old version of PHP susceptible to the null byte technique.
Affected: Admin Word Count Column (Admin Word Count Column Project) versions >= 2.2. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV, Industry KEV feed since Oct 14, 2023.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
Fixed versions are available, including Admin Word Count Column <=2.2, Admin Word Count Column 2.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2022-1390 On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense matches it against the products discovered on your perimeter and opens a finding the day a CVE like this is listed.
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