WatchTowerHQ <= 3.16.0 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Arbitrary File Read via 'wht_download_big_object_origin' Parameter

Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
CVE CVE-2025-13972
CVSS Medium (4.9)
Publicly Published December 11, 2025
Last Updated January 13, 2026
Researcher ChamlaVic
Description

The WatchTowerHQ plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file read via the 'wht_download_big_object_origin' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.16.0. This is due to insufficient path validation in the handle_big_object_download_request function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and a valid access token, to read arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information such as database credentials and authentication keys.

References

1 affected software package

Software Type Plugin
Software Slug watchtowerhq (view on wordpress.org)
Patched? Yes
Affected Version
  • <= 3.16.0
Patched Version
  • 3.16.1
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