CVE-2025-22654: Simplified File Upload Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22654 Overview

CVE-2025-22654 is an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in the kodeshpa Simplified WordPress plugin. This critical security flaw allows attackers to upload malicious files to vulnerable WordPress installations, potentially leading to complete site compromise. The vulnerability exists in versions from n/a through 1.0.6 of the Simplified plugin.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files including web shells, backdoors, and other malicious payloads to WordPress sites running the affected Simplified plugin, potentially resulting in full server compromise.

Affected Products

• kodeshpa Simplified WordPress Plugin versions through 1.0.6
• WordPress installations running the affected plugin versions
• Web servers hosting vulnerable WordPress sites

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-02-18 - CVE-2025-22654 published to NVD
• 2025-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22654

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from insufficient file upload validation in the kodeshpa Simplified WordPress plugin (CWE-434). The plugin fails to properly validate file types during the upload process, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and upload files with dangerous extensions such as .php, .phtml, or other executable file types.

When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to upload web shells or malicious scripts that can be executed on the server. Given that the attack can be performed over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction, and the potential for complete system compromise extends beyond the vulnerable component itself, this represents a severe security risk for affected WordPress installations.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-22654 lies in the absence of proper file type validation and sanitization in the Simplified plugin's file upload functionality. The plugin does not adequately verify:

• File extension validation against a whitelist of allowed types
• MIME type verification of uploaded content
• File content inspection to prevent extension spoofing
• Server-side restrictions on executable file uploads

This allows attackers to circumvent client-side restrictions (if any exist) and upload dangerous file types directly to the web server.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based and can be exploited remotely. An attacker can craft a malicious HTTP request to upload a dangerous file (such as a PHP web shell) through the vulnerable upload functionality. Since no authentication is required, the attack can be performed by any remote attacker with network access to the vulnerable WordPress installation.

Once the malicious file is uploaded, the attacker can access it directly via a web browser or automated tools to execute arbitrary commands on the server, establish persistence, exfiltrate data, or pivot to other systems on the network.

The vulnerability mechanism involves sending specially crafted multipart form data requests to the plugin's upload endpoint. Without proper validation, the server accepts and stores the malicious file in a web-accessible directory. For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22654

Indicators of Compromise

• Presence of unexpected PHP files or web shells in WordPress upload directories or plugin folders
• Unusual HTTP POST requests to plugin upload endpoints with suspicious file attachments
• New or modified files with executable extensions (.php, .phtml, .php5) in wp-content/uploads/ or plugin directories
• Unexpected outbound network connections from the web server
• Evidence of command execution or privilege escalation attempts in server logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system integrity for new or modified executable files in WordPress directories
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect malicious file upload attempts
• Review web server access logs for suspicious POST requests to the Simplified plugin endpoints
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify web shell behavior patterns
• Scan for known web shell signatures and suspicious PHP files using security scanning tools

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for file upload operations on WordPress installations
• Configure alerts for new executable files created in web-accessible directories
• Implement real-time file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress directories
• Monitor for anomalous process execution originating from the web server user context
• Set up network monitoring for unusual outbound connections from web servers

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22654

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately deactivate and remove the kodeshpa Simplified plugin from all WordPress installations
• Audit file systems for any unauthorized or suspicious files uploaded through the vulnerability
• Review server access logs for evidence of exploitation attempts
• Scan affected systems for web shells and backdoors
• Consider rebuilding compromised systems from clean backups if exploitation is confirmed

Patch Information

At the time of publication, users should check for updated versions of the Simplified plugin that address this vulnerability. Monitor the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for patch availability and remediation guidance. Until a patch is available, complete removal of the plugin is recommended.

Workarounds

• Remove or deactivate the Simplified plugin entirely until a security patch is released
• Implement server-side file upload restrictions that block executable file types
• Configure web application firewall rules to block suspicious file upload requests
• Restrict access to WordPress admin and plugin upload functionality using IP whitelisting
• Enable WordPress file editing restrictions by adding define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); to wp-config.php

# Configuration example - Block PHP execution in uploads directory via .htaccess
# Add to wp-content/uploads/.htaccess

# Deny execution of PHP files in uploads directory
<FilesMatch "\.(?:php|phtml|php5|php7|phps)$">
    Deny from all
</FilesMatch>

# Alternative using Apache mod_rewrite
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteRule ^.*\.(php|phtml|php5|php7)$ - [F,L]
</IfModule>