CVE-2025-2005: Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability in WordPress Front-End Users Plugin
Severity: Critical (CVSS 10.0)
Affected Plugin: Front-End Users Plugin for WordPress
Affected Versions: Up to and including 3.2.32
CVE Identifier: CVE-2025-2005
Proof of Concept (PoC) Repository: https://github.com/Nxploited/CVE-2025-2005
Overview
A critical security vulnerability has been identified in the WordPress Front-End Users Plugin, affecting versions up to and including 3.2.32. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files, including executable PHP scripts, leading to remote code execution and complete server compromise. 5
Vulnerability Details
798-1The vulnerability stems from improper handling of file uploads within the plugin's registration forms. 798-2Specifically, there is a lack of: 12
- File Extension Validation: 967-1The plugin does not adequately verify the extensions of uploaded files, permitting the upload of executable scripts. 16
- Authentication Checks: 1121-1No authentication is required to upload files, allowing unauthenticated users to exploit this flaw. 20
- File Type Sanitization: 1253-1The plugin fails to properly sanitize file types, increasing the risk of malicious uploads. 24
1378-0An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted multipart/form-data
POST request to a registration form rendered by the plugin, including a malicious PHP file in a custom field (e.g., Nxploit
). 1378-1Although the plugin stores uploaded files with a .dat
extension in the /wp-content/uploads/
directory, it does not prevent the execution of these files as PHP scripts. 1378-2This oversight enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, leading to full system compromise. 35
Proof of Concept
1910-1A detailed proof of concept (PoC) demonstrating this vulnerability is available on GitHub. 1910-2The repository provides comprehensive information on the exploit, including code samples and step-by-step instructions. 43
Impact
2167-1Exploiting this vulnerability allows attackers to: 47
- 2233-0Upload and execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. 51
- 2292-0Gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. 55
- 2341-0Compromise the entire server, potentially affecting other hosted applications and data. 59
2434-0Given the severity of this vulnerability, immediate action is required to mitigate potential exploits. 63
Mitigation Steps
To protect your WordPress site from this vulnerability:
- Update the Plugin: 2541-3If an updated version of the Front-End Users Plugin is available that addresses this vulnerability, update immediately. 67
- Disable the Plugin: 2769-1If no patch is available, consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin until a fix is released. 71
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: 2896-1Use a WAF to detect and block malicious file upload attempts. 75
- Monitor Server Logs: 3016-1Regularly review server logs for unusual activity, particularly related to file uploads and executions. 79
- Restrict File Permissions: 3151-1Ensure that the
/wp-content/uploads/
directory does not allow execution of uploaded files. Configure your web server to prevent execution of non-media files in this directory. 83
Conclusion
3366-1The arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the WordPress Front-End Users Plugin poses a significant security risk, potentially leading to full server compromise. 3366-2Administrators are urged to take immediate action by updating, disabling, or replacing the affected plugin and implementing additional security measures to protect their sites. 90