CVE-2026-13001 in Podlove Podcast Publisher Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/14/2026
The Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the 'podlove_handle_cache_files' function in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.1. 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 • 07/15/2026
The vulnerability in the Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin for WordPress represents a critical security flaw that stems from insufficient input validation within the podlove_handle_cache_files function. This function, which handles cache file operations, fails to properly validate file types during upload processes, creating an exploitable gap that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass security restrictions. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.5.1, indicating a widespread issue across multiple releases where proper sanitization measures were not implemented. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw directly aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications accept files without adequate validation of their type or content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to upload arbitrary files to the target server through the WordPress plugin interface. Since no authentication is required to trigger the vulnerable function, malicious actors can simply craft malicious payloads and upload them directly through the affected plugin's cache handling mechanism. This arbitrary file upload capability creates a significant attack surface that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including the deployment of web shells, malware distribution, or other persistent threat vectors. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it particularly dangerous as attackers can establish footholds within the target environment and potentially escalate privileges to gain full control over the compromised WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation opportunities to include long-term security implications for affected organizations. WordPress sites running vulnerable versions of the Podlove plugin become susceptible to persistent threats where attackers can maintain access through uploaded malicious files, making detection and remediation more challenging. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any visitor to the site could potentially exploit this vulnerability without requiring credentials or advanced reconnaissance. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side web shell deployment and represents a significant risk to organizations that rely on WordPress for content management, particularly those in sectors where data integrity and availability are critical.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper file type validation and input sanitization. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as restricting upload permissions for the plugin directory, monitoring file uploads in web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security audits of WordPress installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in plugin development, where functions handling user-supplied data must always validate and sanitize inputs before processing. Organizations should also implement network-level protections including intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file upload patterns and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized modifications to web server content.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical need for robust security practices in open source software ecosystems, where plugins and themes often become attack vectors due to inadequate security testing or oversight. This flaw serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign functionality like cache file handling can present significant security risks when proper validation controls are missing. Security professionals should prioritize regular vulnerability assessments of WordPress installations and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify similar patterns in other plugins or themes that may present comparable attack surfaces. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors simultaneously rather than relying on single points of failure such as the vulnerable file upload mechanism.