CVE-2026-57784 in File Uploads Extension Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2026
Unauthenticated Cross Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in Ninja Forms File Uploads Extension <= 3.3.26 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Ninja Forms File Uploads extension for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 3.3.26. The issue stems from the absence of proper authentication checks within the file upload functionality, creating an unauthenticated cross site request forgery condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary file uploads on vulnerable systems. The vulnerability manifests when users visit malicious websites or click on compromised links that trigger unauthorized file upload requests to the target WordPress installation. This flaw directly maps to CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting weaknesses in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs because the file upload endpoint lacks proper validation of user authentication status or request origin verification. Attackers can craft malicious requests that appear to originate from legitimate users within the target system, bypassing standard security controls designed to prevent unauthorized operations. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to upload malicious files such as web shells, malware, or other harmful content directly to the WordPress server. The impact extends beyond simple file uploads since these uploaded files can be executed by the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers.
Operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, particularly in environments where WordPress serves as a primary content management platform for business-critical applications. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain unauthorized control over file upload operations, potentially enabling them to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt services through malicious payload execution. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no valid credentials are required to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators may not be actively monitoring all user activities. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the lack of proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to the latest available release of the Ninja Forms File Uploads extension, which includes proper authentication checks and CSRF protection mechanisms. Administrators should implement additional security layers including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload patterns, enforce strict file type validation, and limit upload permissions to authenticated users only. The principle of least privilege should be applied by restricting file upload capabilities to specific user roles and implementing content validation techniques that prevent execution of potentially malicious files. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file upload activities and implementation of proper access logging to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across their web application portfolio.