CVE-2025-6206 Overview
CVE-2025-6206 is an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Aiomatic - Automatic AI Content Writer & Editor WordPress plugin developed by CodeRevolution. The flaw resides in the aiomatic_image_editor_ajax_submit function, which fails to validate uploaded file types [CWE-434]. Authenticated attackers holding Subscriber-level access or higher can upload arbitrary files to the affected server, potentially leading to remote code execution. Exploitation requires a value to be set for the Stability.AI API key, though the value itself can be arbitrary. All versions up to and including 2.5.0 are affected.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with low-privileged Subscriber accounts can upload arbitrary files, enabling potential remote code execution on WordPress sites running vulnerable Aiomatic versions.
Affected Products
- CodeRevolution Aiomatic WordPress plugin versions through 2.5.0
- WordPress sites using the Aiomatic - Automatic AI Content Writer & Editor plugin
- Installations with a configured Stability.AI API key value (any value)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-24 - CVE-2025-6206 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2025-08-13 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-6206
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from missing file type validation in the aiomatic_image_editor_ajax_submit AJAX handler. The function accepts uploaded files without verifying their MIME type, extension, or content signature against an allowlist of permitted image formats. This allows an authenticated user to submit a file of any extension, including executable PHP scripts, through the image editor endpoint.
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-434] Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. Once an attacker places a PHP file within the WordPress uploads directory, requesting that file via HTTP triggers server-side execution under the web server user context. This grants attackers a foothold to execute arbitrary commands, pivot deeper into the host, or persist as a webshell.
Root Cause
The aiomatic_image_editor_ajax_submit function trusts client-supplied file metadata and writes uploaded content directly to disk without enforcing a strict file type allowlist. WordPress provides built-in helpers such as wp_check_filetype_and_ext() and wp_handle_upload() with MIME validation, but the plugin handler bypasses these protections. The Stability.AI API key requirement acts only as a presence check, not as an authorization boundary, so any non-empty value satisfies it.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires authenticated access at the Subscriber role or higher, which is trivial to obtain on sites with open user registration. The attacker submits a crafted multipart request to the vulnerable AJAX action with a malicious PHP payload disguised through the image editor submission flow. After upload, the attacker requests the uploaded file directly through the web server to execute the payload. The attack is network-reachable but carries higher complexity due to the Stability.AI API key prerequisite and authentication requirement.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-6206
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected .php, .phtml, or .phar files inside wp-content/uploads/ directories, particularly in subdirectories tied to the Aiomatic plugin
- POST requests to admin-ajax.php with the action parameter targeting aiomatic_image_editor_ajax_submit from low-privileged user sessions
- New or modified WordPress user accounts at Subscriber level immediately preceding upload activity
- Outbound connections from the web server process to unfamiliar command-and-control infrastructure following upload events
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for POST requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php invoking the aiomatic_image_editor_ajax_submit action paired with non-image file extensions
- Run file integrity monitoring across wp-content/uploads/ to flag scripts with executable extensions written by the web server user
- Hunt for PHP processes spawning shell interpreters such as sh, bash, or cmd.exe originating from the WordPress web root
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward WordPress access logs and PHP error logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation across authentication, upload, and execution events
- Alert on creation of executable file types within upload directories and on first-time execution of newly written PHP files
- Track creation rates of Subscriber-level accounts to identify automated registration paired with exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-6206
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Aiomatic plugin to a version newer than 2.5.0 once the vendor publishes a patched release
- Audit wp-content/uploads/ for unauthorized PHP files and remove any suspicious artifacts after preserving forensic copies
- Review WordPress user accounts and remove untrusted Subscriber accounts created during the exposure window
- Rotate any credentials, API keys, or secrets stored on or accessible from the affected WordPress host
Patch Information
Refer to the vendor changelog on the Codecanyon Product Description page for the latest release notes. Additional technical analysis is published in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.
Workarounds
- Disable open user registration in WordPress settings until a patched version is deployed
- Deactivate the Aiomatic plugin if it is not in active use or remove the Stability.AI API key value to break the exploitation prerequisite
- Configure the web server to deny execution of PHP files within wp-content/uploads/ using directory-level rules
- Deploy a web application firewall rule blocking requests to the aiomatic_image_editor_ajax_submit AJAX action from non-administrative users
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
