CVE-2014-8739 in Creative Contact Form Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in server/php/UploadHandler.php in the jQuery File Upload Plugin 6.4.4 for jQuery, as used in the Creative Solutions Creative Contact Form (formerly Sexy Contact Form) before 1.0.0 for WordPress and before 2.0.1 for Joomla!, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a PHP file with an PHP extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in files/, as exploited in the wild in October 2014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The CVE-2014-8739 vulnerability represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the jQuery File Upload Plugin version 6.4.4, which was widely exploited in the wild during October 2014. This vulnerability specifically affects the server/php/UploadHandler.php component and impacts popular content management systems including WordPress and Joomla. The vulnerability operates through a simple yet devastating attack vector where an attacker can upload a PHP shell or malicious script with a .php extension and subsequently execute arbitrary code by directly accessing the uploaded file through the files/ directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic unrestricted file upload pattern that maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness where a web application fails to restrict or incorrectly restricts file uploads. The vulnerability occurs because the UploadHandler.php script does not properly validate file extensions, content types, or file contents before storing uploaded files. Attackers exploit this by uploading PHP files with legitimate extensions but containing malicious payloads, effectively creating a backdoor within the web application. The exploitation process involves two main stages: first, uploading the malicious PHP file through the contact form interface, and second, accessing the file directly via a web request to the files/ directory where uploads are stored. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8739 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within affected systems. The vulnerability enables threat actors to establish reverse shells, deploy additional malware, or create persistent backdoors that can be used for long-term access to compromised environments. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1105, which covers the use of remote access tools and command and control channels. The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in complete data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the Creative Contact Form plugin faced significant risks, as the attack surface was relatively small and easily exploitable, making it a preferred target for automated exploitation tools. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper file validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as the uploaded files were stored in a publicly accessible directory without proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8739 focus on immediate patching and implementation of additional security controls. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of the Creative Contact Form plugin for both WordPress and Joomla!, specifically versions 1.0.0 and 2.0.1 respectively. Beyond patching, defensive measures include implementing proper file type validation, restricting file upload directories from direct web access, and configuring web server rules to prevent execution of uploaded files. The implementation of Content Security Policies and proper file extension validation can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation, monitor file upload activities, and conduct regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in their web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of using web application firewalls and implementing proper access controls for file upload functionality, as recommended in OWASP Top 10 2017 category A04:2017 - XML External Entities (XXE) and the broader principles of secure coding practices that prevent unrestricted file uploads as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices.