CVE-2012-3576 in wpStoreCart
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in php/upload.php in the wpStoreCart plugin before 2.5.30 for WordPress allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in uploads/wpstorecart.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3576 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the wpStoreCart plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness exists in the php/upload.php component of the plugin version 2.5.29 and earlier, creating a significant attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the file upload functionality, which fails to properly validate or sanitize file extensions and content, allowing attackers to bypass security measures and upload malicious files directly to the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file upload process. When users upload files through the wpStoreCart plugin, the system does not adequately verify the file type or content, permitting the upload of files with executable extensions such as .php, .asp, or .jsp. This flaw directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted file upload or download, where applications allow users to upload files without proper validation of their type or content. The vulnerability creates a direct path for remote code execution when attackers upload malicious scripts with extensions that the web server will execute, effectively transforming the compromised WordPress installation into a command and control node.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web browsing interfaces. The direct access mechanism via uploads/wpstorecart path means that even without complex exploitation techniques, attackers can immediately execute their payloads. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of web shells or backdoors through unrestricted file uploads, enabling persistent access and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3576 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and file type restriction. Organizations should upgrade to wpStoreCart version 2.5.30 or later, which includes proper file extension validation and content checking mechanisms. System administrators must implement additional security layers including restrictive file upload policies that prevent execution of uploaded files, proper file extension whitelisting, and mandatory content type verification. The web server configuration should be adjusted to prevent execution of uploaded files in the wp-content/uploads directory, typically through proper .htaccess rules or server configuration changes that disable script execution in upload directories. Regular security auditing and monitoring of file upload mechanisms should be implemented to detect potential abuse of similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules can limit the impact of successful exploitation by restricting access to sensitive system components and implementing proper logging and alerting for suspicious file upload activities.