Overview
A critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-13066, has been discovered in the Demo Importer Plus plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.0.6. It allows authenticated attackers with author-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files to the affected WordPress site’s server. This can lead to remote code execution and complete compromise of the website.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from insufficient file type validation when handling WXR files. The plugin fails to properly sanitize file names and extensions during the import process. Specifically, it does not adequately detect or prevent the upload of files with double extensions (e.g., evil.php.xml) that are disguised as valid WXR files. Because the plugin interprets the final extension (.xml) as acceptable, it bypasses security measures. Once uploaded, a malicious file with a PHP extension can be executed, granting the attacker control over the server.
CVSS Analysis
This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). This high score reflects the potential for significant impact, including remote code execution and complete system compromise.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can have severe consequences:
- Remote Code Execution: Attackers can execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially gaining complete control of the website.
- Website Defacement: Attackers can modify the website’s content, defacing it or injecting malicious scripts.
- Data Theft: Attackers can access sensitive data stored on the server, including user credentials, database information, and other confidential files.
- Malware Distribution: Attackers can use the compromised website to distribute malware to visitors.
- Backdoor Installation: Attackers can install backdoors to maintain persistent access to the system even after the initial vulnerability is patched.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The recommended mitigation is to update the Demo Importer Plus plugin to the latest version. If an update is not yet available, consider temporarily disabling the plugin until a patch is released.
- Update the Plugin: Navigate to the “Plugins” section in your WordPress dashboard and update the Demo Importer Plus plugin to the latest available version. Ensure it is version 2.0.7 or higher.
- Monitor for Updates: Regularly check for new updates to the plugin and install them promptly.
- Disable the Plugin (Temporary): If an update is not immediately available, temporarily disable the plugin to prevent potential exploitation.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement or configure a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious file upload attempts. Ensure the WAF ruleset is up-to-date.
