CVE-2023-2278Network attack vector

Unauthenticated code execution via unrestricted file inclusion

Published Jun 13, 2023 · Updated Apr 8, 2026

Local file inclusion in WP Directory Kit 1.1.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute server-side PHP via wdk_public_action. The handler passes an attacker-controlled path to the Winter_MVC loader, which includes the referenced file without restricting it to an approved directory. No authentication is required; code execution requires a PHP-containing or uploadable safe file already present on the server.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability1.69%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Local file inclusion in WP Directory Kit 1.1.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute server-side PHP via wdk_public_action. The handler passes an attacker-controlled path to the Winter_MVC loader, which includes the referenced file without restricting it to an approved directory. No authentication is required; code execution requires a PHP-containing or uploadable safe file already present on the server.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-2278
Published
Jun 13, 2023
Updated
Apr 8, 2026
Vendor
WP Directory Kit
Product
WP Directory Kit
Classifications
CWE-22, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jun 13, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Apr 8, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=0 <=1.1.9

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

WP Directory Kit · WP Directory Kitversion=0 <=1.1.9

Published CVSS scores

9.8WordfenceCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
9.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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