CVE-2025-5746: WordPress File Upload Plugin RCE Flaw

CVE-2025-5746 Overview

The Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload (Pro) - WooCommerce plugin for WordPress contains a critical arbitrary file upload vulnerability due to missing file type validation in the dnd_upload_cf7_upload_chunks() function. This vulnerability affects version 5.0 - 5.0.5 when bundled with the PrintSpace theme and all standalone versions up to and including 1.7.1. The flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to the affected site's server, potentially leading to remote code execution. While PHP execution is disabled via a .htaccess file by default, certain server configurations may still allow code execution.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can upload arbitrary files to vulnerable WordPress sites, potentially achieving remote code execution depending on server configuration.

Affected Products

• Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload (Pro) - WooCommerce version 5.0 - 5.0.5 (bundled with PrintSpace theme)
• Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload (Pro) - WooCommerce standalone versions up to and including 1.7.1
• WordPress sites running vulnerable plugin versions

Discovery Timeline

• July 02, 2025 - CVE-2025-5746 published to NVD
• July 03, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-5746

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type). The core issue resides in the dnd_upload_cf7_upload_chunks() function, which handles chunked file uploads for the drag-and-drop functionality. The function fails to properly validate the file type of uploaded content before accepting and storing it on the server.

The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, meaning any remote attacker can exploit it without needing valid credentials on the target WordPress site. The attack can be performed directly over the network with low complexity, requiring no user interaction.

While the plugin attempts to mitigate exploitation by deploying a .htaccess file that disables PHP execution in the upload directory, this protection mechanism is not universally effective. Apache servers must be configured to respect .htaccess directives, and alternative web servers like Nginx do not process these files at all. This leaves many installations exposed to full remote code execution despite the attempted safeguard.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-5746 is the absence of file type validation within the dnd_upload_cf7_upload_chunks() function. The function processes chunked file uploads without verifying that the uploaded content matches an allowed file type or extension. This allows attackers to bypass intended restrictions and upload executable files such as PHP scripts, web shells, or other malicious payloads.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to target vulnerable WordPress installations. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests to the file upload endpoint, submitting arbitrary file content in chunks. Since the server does not validate the file type, the attacker's payload is stored on the server's filesystem.

Once the malicious file is uploaded, the attacker can access it directly via the web server. On systems where the .htaccess protection is ineffective (such as Nginx servers or misconfigured Apache installations), the attacker can execute the uploaded PHP code, gaining complete control over the web application and potentially the underlying server.

The attack requires no prior authentication and can be automated at scale, making vulnerable WordPress sites attractive targets for mass exploitation campaigns.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-5746

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected PHP files or web shells appearing in the WordPress uploads directory
• Access logs showing POST requests to the plugin's chunk upload endpoint from unknown IP addresses
• New or modified files with unusual extensions in upload directories
• Outbound network connections from the web server to unknown command-and-control infrastructure

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress upload directories for newly created executable files (.php, .phtml, .phar, etc.)
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block file upload attempts with malicious extensions
• Review web server access logs for suspicious POST requests targeting the drag-and-drop upload functionality
• Use file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to the web document root

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for WordPress file upload operations
• Set up real-time alerts for any new PHP files created in upload directories
• Monitor for anomalous web server behavior such as unexpected process spawning or outbound connections
• Regularly audit installed WordPress plugins and their versions against known vulnerability databases

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-5746

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload (Pro) - WooCommerce plugin to a patched version immediately
• If running the PrintSpace theme bundle, update to a version newer than 5.0.5
• If running the standalone version, update to a version newer than 1.7.1
• Audit upload directories for any suspicious files that may have been uploaded before patching

Patch Information

Administrators should update to the latest version of the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload (Pro) - WooCommerce plugin available from the vendor. For additional information about the vulnerability and patching guidance, refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Report and the CodeDropz File Upload Guide.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload plugin until a patch can be applied
• Implement server-level restrictions to prevent PHP execution in upload directories (especially important for Nginx servers)
• Configure a WAF to block file upload requests containing executable file extensions
• Restrict access to the plugin's upload endpoints via IP allowlisting if legitimate uploads are only expected from known sources
• Consider using a security plugin that provides real-time file upload scanning and validation

# Nginx configuration to prevent PHP execution in uploads directory
location ~* /wp-content/uploads/.*\.php$ {
    deny all;
}