CVE-2025-48300 in Groundhogg Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2025
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in Adrian Tobey Groundhogg allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server. This issue affects Groundhogg: from n/a through 4.2.1.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-48300 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw in the Groundhogg plugin for WordPress, which directly enables remote code execution through web shell deployment. This vulnerability exists within the file upload functionality of Groundhogg versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 4.2.1, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of file types during the upload process, allowing attackers to bypass security measures and upload malicious files with dangerous extensions.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-434, which describes the improper restriction of uploads to a restricted directory, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The technical implementation allows attackers to upload web shells or other malicious files without proper authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate file extensions, MIME types, or file content, enabling attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .aspx, or other server-side script files that can execute arbitrary code on the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system. Once a web shell is uploaded successfully, attackers can execute commands, escalate privileges, steal sensitive data, and establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but can potentially lead to broader network compromise, especially when the affected WordPress installation shares resources with other systems. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Groundhogg face risks including data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where such vulnerabilities can lead to significant penalties.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to the latest available version of Groundhogg, as well as implementing multiple layers of defense. Administrators should restrict file upload capabilities to only necessary file types, implement strict file validation and content checking mechanisms, and configure proper file permissions to prevent execution of uploaded files in web-accessible directories. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious upload attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and monitoring of file upload directories should be implemented to identify any unauthorized uploads. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in web applications handling user-provided content, as highlighted in OWASP Top Ten category A01:2021 - Broken Access Control and A04:2021 - Insecure Design.