CVE-2016-7169: n/a vulnerability

CVE-2016-7169: Directory traversal vulnerability in the File_Upload_Upgrader class in wp-admin/includes/class-file-upload-...

Directory traversal vulnerability in the File_Upload_Upgrader class in wp-admin/includes/class-file-upload-upgrader.php in the upgrade package uploader in WordPress before 4.6.1 allows remote authenticated users to access arbitrary files via a crafted urlholder parameter.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdatedAug 6, 2024, 01:50 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2016-7169 is a WordPress directory traversal flaw fixed in WordPress 4.6.1. An authenticated remote user could use the upgrade package uploader to access arbitrary files. The main business risk is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive server or application files on outdated WordPress installations. Exposure is most likely on WordPress installations older than 4.6.1, especially where authenticated users can reach upgrade package upload workflows. The provided affected-product metadata is incomplete, but the CVE description and WordPress release references identify WordPress before 4.6.1. Treat this as a legacy-platform remediation item. It is not listed as actively exploited in the provided sources, but any internet-facing WordPress below 4.6.1 should be upgraded because the flaw can expose sensitive files. Mitigation focus: Upgrade WordPress to version 4.6.1 or later.; Apply Debian DSA-3681 updates where WordPress is installed from Debian packages.; Restrict upgrade and package upload capabilities to trusted administrators..

Prepared: Jun 13, 2026, 12:51 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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description · low confidence lookup

File access behavior lookup

The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2016-7169 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record

Severity: Unknown
CVSS: Not scored
Known Exploited: No
Published: Jan 5, 2017, 02:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors

0Timeline events

0ADP providers

5Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
https://github.com/WordPress/WordPress/commit/54720a14d85bc1197ded7cb09bd3ea790caa0b6eCVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
https://wordpress.org/news/2016/09/wordpress-4-6-1-security-and-maintenance-release/CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
https://codex.wordpress.org/Version_4.6.1CVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
https://wpvulndb.com/vulnerabilities/8616CVE reference · x_refsource_MISC

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus

n/an/an/aListed

Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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