CVE-2015-10138 in Work the Flow File Upload Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2025
The Work The Flow File Upload plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the jQuery-File-Upload-9.5.0 server and test files in versions up to, and including, 2.5.2. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server which may make remote code execution possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10138 affects the Work The Flow File Upload plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.5.2. This issue stems from inadequate file type validation mechanisms within the jQuery-File-Upload-9.5.0 server implementation that powers the plugin's file handling capabilities. The flaw exists in the server-side processing logic where the system fails to properly validate the MIME types and file extensions of uploaded content, creating a critical security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors without authentication requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the absence of proper input sanitization and validation checks within the file upload functionality. Attackers can bypass the intended file type restrictions by manipulating the upload process to include malicious file extensions or by using techniques that mask the true nature of uploaded files. This weakness allows for the successful upload of arbitrary files including potentially harmful scripts or executables that can be executed on the target server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and represents a classic path for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates potential for remote code execution on affected WordPress installations. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious files, they can leverage these uploads to establish persistent access, deploy additional malware, or execute commands on the compromised server. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where WordPress sites are hosted on servers with elevated privileges or where the uploaded files can be executed by the web server process. The implications include complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the compromised WordPress instance resides.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including the immediate update of the Work The Flow File Upload plugin to a version that addresses the file validation issues. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities to authenticated users only, implementing strict file type whitelisting, and configuring web server rules to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. The remediation process should align with ATT&CK technique T1190 which focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive patch management and input validation controls. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious upload activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.