CVE-2025-6086 Overview
CVE-2025-6086 affects the CSV Me plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 2.0. The vulnerability stems from insufficient file type validation in the csv_me_options_page function. Authenticated attackers with Administrator-level access can upload arbitrary files to the affected site's server. Successful exploitation may lead to remote code execution on the underlying web server. The flaw is classified as Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type [CWE-434].
Critical Impact
Authenticated administrators can upload arbitrary files through the CSV Me plugin options page, enabling remote code execution on the WordPress host.
Affected Products
- WordPress CSV Me plugin versions through 2.0
- WordPress installations with the CSV Me plugin activated
- Any site exposing the plugin's options page to administrator accounts
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-18 - CVE-2025-6086 published to NVD
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-6086
Vulnerability Analysis
The CSV Me plugin exposes an administrator-facing options page that accepts file uploads. The handler defined in csv_me_options_page processes uploads without enforcing a restrictive file type allowlist. Attackers can submit files with executable extensions such as .php instead of the expected CSV content. Once written to a web-accessible directory, the attacker requests the uploaded file to trigger code execution under the web server's user context. The vulnerability requires Administrator privileges, but compromised or rogue admin accounts directly translate into full server compromise on standard WordPress hosts.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient validation of the uploaded file's MIME type, extension, and content within csv_me_options_page. The plugin trusts client-supplied metadata and writes the file to disk without sanitizing the destination filename or restricting executable extensions. This pattern maps directly to CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type.
Attack Vector
An attacker authenticates to wp-admin with Administrator privileges and navigates to the CSV Me settings page. The attacker submits a crafted multipart request containing a PHP payload disguised as a CSV upload. The plugin saves the file to the WordPress uploads directory. The attacker then issues an HTTP request to the uploaded payload URL, executing arbitrary PHP code on the server. See the WordPress Plugin Code Reference and the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose above based on the disclosed advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-6086
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected .php, .phtml, or .phar files inside wp-content/uploads/ or directories written by the CSV Me plugin
- Web server access logs showing POST requests to the CSV Me options page followed by GET requests to uploaded files in wp-content/uploads/
- New or modified WordPress administrator accounts preceding suspicious upload activity
- Outbound network connections from the PHP-FPM or web server process to unknown hosts
Detection Strategies
- Monitor file integrity on wp-content/uploads/ and alert on creation of files with executable PHP extensions
- Inspect HTTP request bodies on /wp-admin/admin.php?page=csv_me* endpoints for non-CSV content types
- Correlate administrator session activity with file write events in the uploads directory
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress audit logs and web server access logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation
- Enable file integrity monitoring on the WordPress document root and plugin directories
- Track administrator authentication events and flag logins from unexpected IP addresses or geographies
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-6086
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the CSV Me plugin if a patched release is not yet installed
- Audit administrator accounts and rotate credentials for any account with access to the plugin
- Scan wp-content/uploads/ for unauthorized PHP files and remove confirmed web shells
- Restrict PHP execution within the WordPress uploads directory using web server configuration
Patch Information
No fixed version is referenced in the published advisory at this time. All versions up to and including 2.0 are affected. Monitor the Wordfence Vulnerability Report and the plugin source repository for an updated release.
Workarounds
- Remove the CSV Me plugin until a vendor patch is released
- Disable PHP execution in the WordPress uploads directory via an .htaccess rule or equivalent Nginx configuration
- Enforce multi-factor authentication on all WordPress administrator accounts to reduce the risk of authenticated abuse
- Place the WordPress admin interface behind an IP allowlist or VPN where operationally feasible
# Apache: block PHP execution in wp-content/uploads
cat > /var/www/html/wp-content/uploads/.htaccess <<'EOF'
<FilesMatch "\.(php|phtml|phar|php7|php8)$">
Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
EOF
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
