CVE-2021-42362 HIGH

CVE-2021-42362: WordPress Popular Posts <= 5.3.2 Authenticated Arbitrary File Upload

Vendor Wordpress Popular Posts
Product WordPress Popular Posts
Weakness CWE-434 · Unrestricted file upload
Published November 17, 2021
Last update September 16, 2024

CVSS base score

8.8/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required Low
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The WordPress Popular Posts WordPress plugin is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient input file type validation found in the ~/src/Image.php file which makes it possible for attackers with contributor level access and above to upload malicious files that can be used to obtain remote code execution, in versions up to and including 5.3.2.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

WordPress Popular Posts plugin versions up to 5.3.2 do not properly validate file uploads, allowing authenticated users to upload arbitrary files to the site. An attacker with a low-privilege account (such as a contributor or subscriber) can upload malicious files, including PHP scripts, to execute code on the server. This affects sites where user registration or guest uploads are enabled.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Upload and execute arbitrary files, including PHP code, on the site server.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Attackers can run malicious code on your site, steal data, modify content, or take full control of the WordPress installation.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Attacker needs a low-privilege WordPress account (contributor or subscriber level); no user interaction required.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

November 17, 2021 CVE published
September 16, 2024 Record updated

Related vulnerabilities

08Related CVE