PatchTheCVECVE-2022-1390: The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfil
CVE-2022-1390 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting admin word count column. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfile(), which could allow unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on server running old version of PHP susceptible to the null byte technique. This could also lead to RCE by using a Phar Deserialization technique
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 21.9% (top 2%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-22 |
| Published | 2022-04-25 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Write-up: packetstormsecurity.com/files/166476/
- Write-up: wpscan.com/vulnerability/6293b319-dc4f-4412-9d56-55744246c990
- Nuclei scan template: WordPress Admin Word Count Column 2.2 - Local File Inclusion
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2022-1390?
admin word count column: upgrade to newer than 2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2022-1390 being exploited?
CVE-2022-1390 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2022-1390 affect?
CVE-2022-1390 affects admin word count column. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Admin Word Count Column WordPress plugin through 2.2 does not validate the path parameter given to readfile(), which could allow unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on server running old version of PHP susceptible to the n
How urgent is CVE-2022-1390?
Priority 69/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities