CVE-2023-6219 in BookingPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2023
The BookingPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient file validation on the 'bookingpress_process_upload' function in versions up to, and including, 1.0.76. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with administrator-level capabilities or above, to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6219 affects the BookingPress plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.0.76. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's file upload mechanism. The vulnerability exists within the 'bookingpress_process_upload' function, which fails to properly validate file types and content before allowing uploads to proceed on the affected WordPress installation. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access with administrator-level privileges or higher, making it accessible to attackers who have already gained some level of system access or those who can compromise administrator credentials through social engineering or other means.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal file validation checks that should prevent the upload of potentially malicious file types such as php, aspx, or other executable scripts. When an authenticated user with sufficient privileges accesses the file upload functionality, the plugin's insufficient validation logic permits the upload of arbitrary files without proper sanitization or type checking. This creates a pathway for attackers to potentially upload malicious code that could be executed on the target server, transforming what should be a simple file upload feature into a potential gateway for complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that administrators typically have broad system access rights, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6219 extends beyond simple file upload capabilities and can lead to full remote code execution on the affected WordPress server. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could deploy web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that would allow them to maintain persistent access to the compromised system. This could result in data exfiltration, system manipulation, service disruption, or even lateral movement within a network if the compromised WordPress instance serves as a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability also affects the integrity of the entire WordPress installation, as attackers could modify core files or inject malicious code that would persist across system restarts or updates.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the file validation flaw. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including restricting file upload capabilities to only necessary file types, implementing strict file content validation, and monitoring upload activities for suspicious patterns. Network-based solutions such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though the most effective approach remains the timely application of vendor security patches. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in the ATT&CK framework's persistence tactics. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws in other plugins or components of the WordPress ecosystem, as this type of vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications.