Simple Download Counter <= 2.2.2 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Arbitrary File Read via Path Traversal
The Simple Download Counter plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.2. This is due to insufficient path validation in the simple_download_counter_parse_path() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which may contain sensitive information such as database credentials (wp-config.php) or system files. Please note that the vendor opted to continue to allow remote file downloads from arbitrary locations on the server, however, has disabled this functionality on multi-sites and provided a warning to site owners in the readme.txt when they install the plugin. While not an optimal patch, we have considered this sufficient and recommend users proceed to use the plugin with caution.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress plugin | Simple Download Counter | <= 2.2.2 | 2.2.3 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-22- Platform
- WordPress
- Package
Simple Download Counter- Disclosed
- 09.12.2025
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:23
Sources and licenses
Wordfence Intelligence - b82a0f71-29d7-469a-8c69-5ab68d599cb9 - Wordfence Intelligence
Copyright 1999-2026 The MITRE Corporation
Copyright 2012-2026 Defiant Inc.
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Vulnerability history: Simple Download Counter
All published vulnerabilities of this package (WordPress plugin), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 5
- First → latest
- 09.2023 03.2026
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Medium 5
Disclosures per year
- 2023: 1
- 2024: 0
- 2025: 3
- 2026: 1
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Simple Download Counter <= 2.2.2 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Arbitrary File Read via Path Traversal this entry
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