NativeChurch: Unauthenticated arbitrary file read
An unauthenticated attacker can supply a traversal path through the file parameter to download.php. Insufficient path validation lets the supplied path reach the file-download operation and return files outside the intended directory, including wp-config.php and its database credentials. The completed source reports exploitation evidence first observed by Shadowserver on 2023-10-19; that historical observation is not a claim of current active exploitation. Affected versions: before 1.6.2. The completed CNA record identifies 1.6.2 as fixed.
- Component
- NativeChurch
- Plugin slug
nativechurch- Affected
- < 1.6.2
- Safe version
1.6.2- Published
- Oct 20, 2026
This CVE was published Oct 20, 2026 and is one of 2 known issues for this theme.
Update, patch or deactivate.
The authoritative export identifies 1.6.2 as fixed. Update to the applicable fixed release or a later supported release. Use server-controlled file identifiers, authorize access to the selected file, and verify the resolved path stays inside the permitted directory before reading it. Rotate database credentials and other exposed secrets if sensitive files may have been retrieved.
A safe version is available, so updating to that version or later is the preferred remediation. If an immediate update is not practical, consider a targeted application patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality.
Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.
Technical description
NativeChurch theme for WordPress before 1.6.2 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to download arbitrary files through the file parameter of download.php. Attackers can send GET requests with directory traversal sequences in the file parameter to retrieve sensitive files like wp-config.php. Exploitation evidence was first observed by the Shadowserver Foundation on 2023-10-19.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X