CVE-2013-5962 in Complete Gallery Manager plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in frames/upload-images.php in the Complete Gallery Manager plugin before 3.3.4 rev40279 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 wp-content/[year]/[month]/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
The CVE-2013-5962 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the Complete Gallery Manager WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.3.4 rev40279. This vulnerability resides within the frames/upload-images.php component and fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected WordPress installations. The flaw enables remote attackers to bypass normal file upload restrictions by uploading malicious files with executable extensions, creating a persistent backdoor mechanism within the target system. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway is particularly concerning as it leverages the legitimate file upload functionality of the plugin to introduce malicious payloads that can be executed within the web server context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload process. Attackers can upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that the plugin fails to properly restrict or validate. Once uploaded, these malicious files are stored in the wp-content directory structure under year/month subdirectories, making them easily accessible via direct web requests. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the plugin's file handling mechanisms and demonstrating poor security practices in file validation and access control. This flaw aligns with CWE-434, which categorizes unrestricted upload of executable files as a significant security weakness that can lead to arbitrary code execution and complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-5962 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. Once a malicious file is uploaded and executed, attackers can establish reverse shells, deploy additional malware, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that uploaded files remain accessible indefinitely until manually removed, creating long-term attack vectors. This weakness directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application), T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), and T1078 (Valid Accounts), as attackers can leverage the compromised plugin to maintain access and escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations with vulnerable plugin versions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple sites share common infrastructure or where plugins are not regularly updated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5962 require immediate action including updating the Complete Gallery Manager plugin to version 3.3.4 or later, which addresses the unrestricted file upload vulnerability through proper input validation and file extension filtering. Organizations should implement additional defensive measures such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing strict file type validation, and configuring web server rules to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and the principle of least privilege. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes that may expose similar unrestricted file upload risks.