CVE-2025-7443 in BerqWP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2025
The BerqWP – Automated All-In-One Page Speed Optimization for Core Web Vitals, Cache, CDN, Images, CSS, and JavaScript plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation via the store_javascript_cache.php file in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.42. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers 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 • 08/01/2025
The BerqWP plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability through its store_javascript_cache.php endpoint which lacks proper file type validation mechanisms. This flaw exists within all versions up to and including 2.2.42, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthenticated attackers to upload malicious files to target servers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and validation processes that should normally prevent unauthorized file uploads. The plugin's architecture fails to properly verify the MIME types or file extensions of uploaded content, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and potentially execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without proper validation of their content or type. The flaw enables attackers to upload files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats that could be executed on the web server. The impact extends beyond simple file uploads as the vulnerability creates a potential code execution vector that could allow attackers to gain full control over the affected WordPress installation. The absence of proper file validation creates a pathway for attackers to deploy web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads that could compromise the entire server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it affects unauthenticated attackers who can exploit the flaw without requiring valid credentials or administrative access. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can access the store_javascript_cache.php endpoint. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access, modify website content, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability also creates potential for data exfiltration and can be used to create backdoors that maintain access even after initial exploitation attempts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the BerqWP plugin to version 2.2.43 or later which contains the necessary file validation fixes. Administrators should implement additional security measures such as restricting access to the store_javascript_cache.php endpoint through web server configuration or firewall rules. Input validation should be enhanced to include strict MIME type checking and file extension filtering to prevent unauthorized uploads. The principle of least privilege should be applied by ensuring that file upload functionality is restricted to authenticated administrators only. Network monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious file upload activities and anomalous behavior patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content delivery network protections to provide additional layers of defense against such attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications and T1059 for execution through scripts or binaries. It also relates to T1566 for initial access through malicious file uploads and T1078 for valid accounts usage to maintain access. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often have broad permissions and access to server resources, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for affected organizations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or components of the WordPress ecosystem that may present similar security weaknesses.