CVE-2011-10041 in Uploadify
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2026
Uploadify WordPress plugin versions up to and including 1.0 contain an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in process_upload.php due to missing file type validation. An unauthenticated remote attacker can upload arbitrary files to the affected WordPress site, which may allow remote code execution by uploading executable content to a web-accessible location.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10041 affects the Uploadify WordPress plugin version 1.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the process_upload.php script, which fails to properly verify the file types being uploaded to the target system. The absence of proper file type checks creates an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized users to bypass normal upload restrictions and submit malicious files to the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the lack of server-side file validation mechanisms within the Uploadify plugin's upload processing functionality. When users attempt to upload files through the plugin interface, the process_upload.php script does not perform adequate checks to ensure that only permitted file types are accepted. This weakness enables attackers to upload files with extensions that could execute code on the web server, such as .php, .asp, or .jsp files, depending on the server configuration. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which specifically addresses the risk of accepting files without proper validation of their content or type.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to WordPress site security as it allows unauthenticated remote code execution without requiring any credentials or privileged access. An attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious files and uploading them to the web server through the vulnerable plugin interface. Once uploaded, these files become accessible through the web root, potentially enabling the execution of arbitrary commands on the target system. The implications extend beyond simple file upload capabilities, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of backdoors for persistent access.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of WordPress and the Uploadify plugin in web applications. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.0, indicating that even relatively recent versions of the plugin were susceptible to this flaw. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations that have not updated their WordPress installations or have not properly configured their security measures to prevent unauthorized file uploads. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the vulnerable WordPress site.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-10041 should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the file validation issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive file type validation mechanisms that verify not only file extensions but also file content through MIME type checking and file signature analysis. Additional protective measures include restricting upload directories to be outside the web root, implementing proper file permissions, and configuring web servers to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible locations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security audits of web applications. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application, which emphasizes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in externally accessible applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious upload activities and prevent exploitation attempts.