CVE-2026-104752 in SEO Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/10/2026
The Rank Math SEO WordPress plugin before 1.0.280 does not correctly validate the type of a file uploaded through its settings import feature, allowing users with administrator-level access to upload a PHP file and achieve remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2026
The vulnerability identified in Rank Math SEO versions prior to 1.0.280 represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper input validation within the plugin's administrative interface. Specifically, the settings import functionality fails to enforce strict type checking on files submitted by users with administrator privileges. This oversight allows an attacker who has compromised or obtained valid credentials for an account with at least editor-level access, and potentially lower if privilege escalation vectors exist, to bypass standard security controls designed to prevent arbitrary file uploads. The core technical failure lies in the server-side processing of the uploaded artifact, where the application relies on insufficient checks that do not adequately verify the MIME type or content signature against a whitelist of allowed extensions for configuration files.
From a technical perspective, this flaw is classified under CWE-434, which describes an unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type. The vulnerability manifests when the import feature accepts a PHP script disguised as a legitimate settings export file. Because WordPress plugins often operate within directories that are directly accessible via HTTP requests or have included in execution contexts by other parts of the application, uploading and subsequently triggering this malicious file results in immediate code execution on the server hosting the website. The attacker can craft a payload containing arbitrary PHP commands, such as those defined under CWE-94 for improper control of generation of code, to execute system-level operations, exfiltrate database credentials, or install additional backdoors like web shells.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for remote code execution (RCE). Once the malicious PHP file is uploaded and accessed through a specific endpoint provided by the plugin's import mechanism, the attacker gains full control over the underlying server environment relative to the web server user context. This can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation, including theft of sensitive data stored in the database such as user credentials, personal information, and financial records if e-commerce functionality is present. Furthermore, the compromised site may be used as a pivot point for attacks against internal network resources or distributed denial-of-service botnets, significantly damaging the reputation and availability of the affected organization.
This vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1505.003, known as Web Shell: ASPX, though applicable to PHP environments in this context, which involves placing a web shell on a target system for persistent access. It also relates to T1190, Exploit Public-Facing Application, assuming the administrative interface is accessible over the network. The lack of robust validation exemplifies common pitfalls in plugin development where convenience features like bulk imports are not subjected to rigorous security scrutiny comparable to user-facing input fields.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching and access control hardening. Administrators should update Rank Math SEO to version 1.0.280 or later, which addresses the validation logic for file uploads during the import process. In environments where updating is not immediately feasible, restricting administrative access through multi-factor authentication and IP whitelisting can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rulesets capable of detecting PHP execution attempts in upload directories or non-standard script locations can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation. Regular auditing of uploaded files and enforcing strict MIME type verification on all server-side import functions are essential best practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future updates.