What the vulnerability does
01Description
The CM Map Locations – Visualize and share your locations in a few clicks plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Limited Arbitrary File Upload in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.8 via the uploadMedia function. This is due to insufficient file type validation in the upload handler, which performs incomplete extension filtering without MIME-type checks or upload capability verification before passing attacker-supplied files to move_uploaded_file(). This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to upload files that may be executable, which makes remote code execution possible. The required nonce is exposed to any logged-in Subscriber via the CMLOC_Editor_Images JavaScript object on the front-end location editor page.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
CM Map Locations versions 2.1.8 and earlier allow authenticated users to upload files without proper type validation. An attacker with low-level site access can upload malicious files—such as PHP scripts—to execute arbitrary code on the server. This grants full control over the site's content, database, and hosted data.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Upload and execute malicious code on the site server.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Complete site compromise: attacker can steal data, modify content, install backdoors, or take the site offline.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege user account (e.g., contributor or subscriber role).
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
August 25, 2026
CVE published
