CVE-2022-4949 in AdSanity Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2023
The AdSanity plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the 'ajax_upload' function in versions up to, and including, 1.8.1. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with Contributor+ level privileges to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server which makes remote code execution possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The AdSanity plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2022-4949, which stems from insufficient input validation within the ajax_upload function. This flaw exists in plugin versions up to and including 1.8.1, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers who possess Contributor level privileges or higher to exploit the system. The vulnerability operates by bypassing file type restrictions that should normally prevent the upload of potentially malicious files, thereby enabling unauthorized file placement on the target server. This issue directly relates to CWE-434 which addresses the insecure upload of files with dangerous types, and represents a significant weakness in the plugin's defensive mechanisms against malicious file injection attempts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have already gained access to a WordPress account with Contributor permissions or higher, which typically allows users to publish posts and upload media files. However, the flaw in the ajax_upload function removes the necessary validation checks that would normally restrict file uploads to safe formats such as images, documents, or other benign file types. This omission creates a scenario where attackers can upload files with executable extensions or scripts that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability essentially removes the security boundary that should exist between user-uploaded content and the server's core functionality, allowing for unrestricted file placement within the web root directory.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4949 extends far beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates a potential gateway for complete system compromise through remote code execution. Once an attacker successfully uploads a malicious file, they can leverage this initial access point to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable server, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 which covers the use of web shell deployment for maintaining persistent access to compromised systems. The risk is particularly elevated because the vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress plugin, making numerous websites susceptible to exploitation and potentially creating a large attack surface for threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4949 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the file validation flaw, typically those beyond 1.8.1 where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting file upload capabilities for users with Contributor privileges, implementing comprehensive file type validation at multiple layers of the application, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious upload patterns and blocking attempts to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where user permissions should be strictly limited to prevent unauthorized access to system functions that could lead to remote code execution.