CVE-2023-28409 in MW WP Form Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2023
Unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type exists in MW WP Form versions v4.4.2 and earlier, which may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to upload an arbitrary file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28409 represents a critical security flaw in MW WP Form plugin versions 4.4.2 and earlier, where unrestricted file upload functionality permits remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads on affected systems. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's file handling processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability falls under the category of unrestricted file upload as defined by CWE-434, which specifically addresses scenarios where applications allow file uploads without proper restrictions on file types or content validation. The lack of authentication requirements for the file upload functionality means that any remote attacker can exploit this weakness without needing valid credentials, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential impact.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the MW WP Form plugin's upload handling mechanism where user-supplied file data is processed without adequate validation of file extensions, MIME types, or content signatures. Attackers can leverage this flaw by submitting malicious files with dangerous extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that could be interpreted and executed by the web server. The absence of proper file type checking and content analysis allows attackers to upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other harmful payloads that can be executed within the context of the web server. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server Software Component and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an unauthenticated attack vector targeting a public-facing web application component.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28409 extends beyond simple file upload capabilities, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through various attack chains. An attacker who successfully uploads a malicious file can establish persistent access, execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its unauthenticated nature, meaning that automated scanning tools can identify and exploit this weakness without human intervention. Organizations running affected plugin versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where WordPress serves as a critical business application. The vulnerability also poses risks to database integrity and can enable attackers to exfiltrate sensitive information stored within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28409 should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the unrestricted file upload vulnerability. System administrators must ensure that all MW WP Form installations are updated to the latest version that contains proper input validation and file type restrictions. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls with file upload filtering capabilities, restricting file upload directories to prevent execution of uploaded files, and configuring proper file permissions to limit write access to sensitive directories. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file upload activities and potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress environments to identify other potential vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive patch management processes to maintain ongoing security posture. The remediation process should include monitoring for successful exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging mechanisms to track file upload activities for forensic analysis purposes.