CVE-2025-0394 in Groundhogg Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
The WordPress CRM, Email & Marketing Automation for WordPress | Award Winner — Groundhogg plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the gh_big_file_upload() function in all versions up to, and including, 3.7.3.5. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and 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 • 06/16/2026
The Groundhogg plugin for WordPress represents a comprehensive solution for customer relationship management and marketing automation within the WordPress ecosystem. This plugin has garnered recognition as an award winner, indicating its widespread adoption and perceived value in the WordPress community. However, the security landscape for such plugins remains critical as they often serve as attack vectors due to their integration with core WordPress functionality and their potential access to sensitive data and system resources. The vulnerability discovered affects versions up to and including 3.7.3.5, creating a window of exposure for numerous WordPress installations that rely on this plugin for their marketing and CRM operations.
The technical flaw resides within the gh_big_file_upload() function which fails to implement proper file type validation mechanisms. This function serves as a critical pathway for file uploads within the plugin's architecture, yet it lacks the necessary safeguards to verify the legitimacy of uploaded files. The absence of file type validation creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to bypass security controls and upload potentially harmful files. This vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users with Author-level access or higher privileges, indicating that the security model relies on user permissions rather than implementing robust server-side validation. The flaw aligns with CWE-434, which describes the vulnerability of applications accepting files without proper validation, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file upload capabilities and presents a significant risk of remote code execution. An attacker with Author-level privileges can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files such as PHP scripts, web shells, or other executable code that can be executed on the target server. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or further compromise the WordPress installation and underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only Author-level access, which is often more readily available in WordPress environments where content creators and editors are granted elevated privileges. This allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring administrator-level access, making the attack surface significantly larger and more accessible.
The implications of this vulnerability extend into the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to Initial Access and Execution. The vulnerability represents a path for attackers to establish a foothold through file upload capabilities, which can then be leveraged for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the compromised environment. Organizations using Groundhogg plugin versions up to 3.7.3.5 face potential data breaches, service disruption, and complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it combines user privilege escalation with file upload capabilities, creating a multi-layered threat that can persist even after initial access is established. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat modeling and incident response planning, given its potential for creating persistent access points within WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through plugin updates to versions that address the file validation issue. Administrators should implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users with Author-level access or higher have carefully evaluated permissions and that unnecessary elevated privileges are removed. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload patterns, conducting regular security audits of plugin installations, and monitoring for unauthorized file uploads in the WordPress media directories. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security testing and code reviews for WordPress plugins, particularly those with file handling capabilities. Organizations should consider implementing automated scanning tools that can identify vulnerable plugin versions and ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current security patches. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that file upload restrictions are properly enforced and that no malicious files have been uploaded through the vulnerability.