WatchTowerHQ <= 3.16.0 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Arbitrary File Read via 'wht_download_big_object_origin' Parameter
| CVE | CVE-2025-13972 |
|---|---|
| CVSS | 4.9 (Medium) |
| 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.
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Vulnerability Details for WatchTowerHQ
| Software Type | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Software Slug | watchtowerhq (view on wordpress.org) |
| Patched? | Yes |
| Remediation | Update to version 3.16.1, or a newer patched version |
| Affected Version |
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| Patched Version |
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Recent vulnerabilities in WatchTowerHQ
| # | Title | CVE ID | CVSS | Researchers | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WatchTowerHQ <= 3.10.1 - Authentication Bypass to Administrator due to Missing Empty Value Check | CVE-2024-9933 | István Márton | October 25, 2024 | |
| 2 | WatchTowerHQ <= 3.6.16 - Type Juggling to Authentication Bypass in check_ota | CVE-2023-25701 | Dave Jong | February 14, 2023 | |
| 3 | WatchTowerHQ <= 3.6.15 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Download | CVE-2022-44583 | Dave Jong | November 1, 2022 | |
| 4 | WatchTowerHQ <= 3.6.15 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion | CVE-2022-44584 | Dave Jong | November 1, 2022 |
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