CVE-2026-11962
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2026
The FileOrganizer WordPress plugin before 1.2.0 does not validate the file type on several of its file-management operations, allowing authenticated users who have been granted file-manager access — which its premium add-on can extend to sub-administrator roles — to upload arbitrary PHP files and achieve remote code execution. This is an incomplete fix of CVE-2024-7985, which only added file-type validation to the upload operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2026
The FileOrganizer WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of file management operations within WordPress environments. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.2.0 and specifically targets the plugin's insufficient validation mechanisms during file handling processes. The flaw allows authenticated users with file-manager access privileges to bypass existing security controls and upload malicious PHP files, creating a significant risk for affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's file management functions. While the developers previously addressed CVE-2024-7985 by implementing basic file-type checks during upload operations, this fix proved incomplete as it failed to address other file-management operations within the same plugin. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not consistently validate file types across all file manipulation functions, leaving gaps in the security posture that malicious actors can exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly for WordPress installations that rely on FileOrganizer for content management. An attacker with access to file-manager privileges can upload arbitrary PHP files that execute code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This remote code execution capability allows threat actors to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where premium add-ons extend file-manager access to sub-administrator roles, broadening the potential attack surface.
The security implications of this flaw align with CWE-434 which addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Web Shell" as attackers can establish persistent access through uploaded PHP files. The vulnerability represents a classic example of incomplete security remediation where addressing only one aspect of a broader issue leaves remaining attack vectors unmitigated. Organizations using FileOrganizer plugin versions before 1.2.0 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version, implementing additional file validation mechanisms, and restricting file-manager access privileges to only essential personnel.
Mitigation strategies must include immediate deployment of the patched plugin version 1.2.0 or higher which addresses all file-management operations rather than just upload functions. Additional defensive measures should encompass implementing web application firewalls with content filtering capabilities, establishing strict file type validation at multiple layers including server-side and network-level controls, and conducting comprehensive privilege reviews to minimize the number of users with file-manager access. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect suspicious file upload activities and unauthorized code execution attempts. Regular security assessments of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential for identifying similar incomplete fixes that could leave systems vulnerable to exploitation.
The vulnerability serves as a cautionary example of how security patches must address all related functions within software components rather than isolated operations. The incomplete remediation approach demonstrated in this case highlights the importance of thorough security testing and validation before releasing updates, particularly when addressing previously discovered vulnerabilities. Organizations should maintain robust patch management processes that ensure complete remediation of identified issues across all affected functions and operations to prevent similar scenarios from compromising their security posture.