Vulnerability Description
The Prevent Direct Access – Protect WordPress Files plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of protected files due to insufficient token validation in the `get_advance_file_by_url()` method in all versions up to, and including, 2.8.8.8 The method uses a SQL `LIKE` operator for token lookup without escaping wildcard characters via `$wpdb->esc_like()`. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass the private token requirement by supplying SQL wildcard characters (such as `%`) as the token value, matching any record in the plugin's file table and downloading any protected file.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/prevent-direct-access/tags/2.8.8.4/in
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/prevent-direct-access/trunk/download.
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/prevent-direct-access/trunk/includes/
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3637499/prevent-direct-access/trunk
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?old_path=%2Fprevent-direct-access/t
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?reponame=&new=3637502%40prevent-dir
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/prevent-direct-access/
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/c39d16f1-ce80-402c-8a3
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-3835?
CVE-2026-3835 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.3 (MEDIUM). The Prevent Direct Access – Protect WordPress Files plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of protected files due to insufficient token validation in the `get_advance_file_by_url()`...
How severe is CVE-2026-3835?
CVE-2026-3835 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.3/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-3835?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.