CVE-2025-50286 in Grav
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2025
A Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Grav CMS v1.7.48 allows an authenticated admin to upload a malicious plugin via the /admin/tools/direct-install interface. Once uploaded, the plugin is automatically extracted and loaded, allowing arbitrary PHP code execution and reverse shell access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-50286 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Grav CMS version 1.7.48 that fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability operates through a privileged attack vector where an authenticated administrator can exploit the direct-install functionality within the admin interface to upload malicious plugins. The flaw resides in the insufficient validation and sanitization of plugin uploads, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution that bypasses normal security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the /admin/tools/direct-install endpoint, which is designed for legitimate plugin installation but fails to properly verify the integrity and safety of uploaded components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and secure plugin handling mechanisms within the Grav CMS framework. When an authenticated admin user uploads a malicious plugin through the direct-install interface, the system automatically extracts and loads the plugin without adequate security checks. This process creates a persistent execution environment where PHP code within the malicious plugin can run with the privileges of the web server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and the attack pattern closely follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application methodology. The exploitation process enables attackers to establish reverse shell access, allowing them to execute commands on the compromised server and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-50286 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over affected Grav CMS installations. Once a malicious plugin is successfully uploaded and executed, adversaries can leverage this access to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's authentication requirement does not adequately protect against insider threats or credential compromise scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative accounts may be compromised through phishing or other social engineering attacks. Organizations running Grav CMS v1.7.48 face significant risk of full system compromise, data breaches, and potential use as a pivot point for attacking other systems within their infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-50286 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Grav CMS that properly validates and sanitizes plugin uploads, ensuring that the direct-install functionality implements proper file type checking and content verification. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit administrative access to the CMS, reducing the attack surface for privilege escalation. Additional defensive measures include monitoring the /admin/tools/direct-install endpoint for suspicious activity, implementing web application firewalls to detect malicious plugin uploads, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for secure application development and deployment.