CVE-2015-10144 in Responsive Thumbnail Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2025
The Responsive Thumbnail Slider plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type sanitization in the via the image uploader in versions up to 1.0.1. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server using a double extension which may make remote code execution possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2025
The responsive thumbnail slider plugin for wordpress represents a common class of web application vulnerabilities that exploit insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within content management systems. This particular vulnerability exists within version 1.0.1 and earlier of the plugin, which is widely used across wordpress installations for creating dynamic image galleries and sliders. The flaw lies in the image uploader component that fails to properly validate file types before processing uploads, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls that are typically in place to prevent unauthorized file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper file extension validation and content type checking within the plugin's file upload handler. Attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious files with double extensions such as .php.jpg or .jpg.php, which can evade basic file type checks that only examine the final extension. This bypass technique relies on the fact that many web servers and applications do not perform comprehensive file validation, instead relying on superficial checks that can be easily circumvented. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic insecure file upload pattern that has been documented in numerous security assessments and vulnerability databases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution on affected servers. When attackers successfully upload malicious files with double extensions, they can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system, leading to complete compromise of the wordpress installation and underlying server infrastructure. This represents a critical security risk because it allows attackers to escalate privileges from subscriber level access to full system control, potentially enabling them to exfiltrate sensitive data, install backdoors, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the wordpress platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the file validation issues, as well as implementing comprehensive file upload restrictions at the server level. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload patterns, implement strict file type validation that examines both file extensions and content signatures, and establish robust monitoring for unauthorized file uploads. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to cwe-434 which specifically addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities, while the attack technique described aligns with mitre att&ck technique t1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. Additional defensive measures include restricting file upload capabilities to administrative users only, implementing content security policies that prevent execution of uploaded files, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire wordpress ecosystem.