CVE-2025-1028 in Contact Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2025
The Contact Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the contact form upload feature in all versions up to, and including, 8.6.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible in specific configurations where the first extension is processed over the final. This vulnerability also requires successfully exploiting a race condition in order to exploit.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-1028 affects the Contact Manager plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 8.6.4. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's contact form upload functionality. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass security measures that should prevent arbitrary file uploads, creating a pathway for potentially malicious file execution on affected servers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, which specifically addresses the improper restriction of uploads of executable files, making it a direct descendant of well-known file upload security weaknesses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs due to the absence of proper file type validation checks within the upload processing pipeline. When users submit files through the contact form, the plugin fails to adequately verify the file extensions or MIME types before storing the uploaded content on the server. This missing validation creates an exploitable condition where attackers can upload files with extensions that appear legitimate but contain malicious payloads. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with specific server configurations where the first extension in a file name is processed by the web server before the final extension is recognized, enabling attackers to execute malicious code through seemingly benign file uploads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads to potentially enable remote code execution in vulnerable environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can upload web shells, malicious scripts, or other executable content that can be triggered through web requests. This creates a persistent backdoor on the compromised WordPress site that allows attackers to maintain access, exfiltrate data, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The requirement for a race condition to fully exploit this vulnerability indicates that attackers must time their upload attempts carefully, suggesting the vulnerability may be somewhat more complex to exploit in practice but still represents a significant security risk.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful coordination between multiple attack vectors, including the race condition component that must be successfully executed. This adds complexity to the attack surface while still maintaining the core threat of unauthorized file execution. Security professionals should note that the vulnerability affects all versions up to 8.6.4, indicating that the issue has persisted across multiple releases and represents a fundamental flaw in the plugin's architecture. The presence of this vulnerability in widely used WordPress plugins underscores the importance of regular security updates and the implementation of additional security controls such as web application firewalls and file upload restrictions at the server level.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Contact Manager plugin where available, as this represents the most direct mitigation strategy. Additionally, implementing file type validation at the web server level, restricting upload directories, and monitoring for suspicious file uploads can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in widely deployed software components.