CVE-2026-73367 in Easy Google Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2026
Unauthenticated Remote File Inclusion in Easy Google Maps < 1.14.2 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as an Unauthenticated Remote File Inclusion flaw within the Easy Google Maps plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.14.2, represents a critical security deficiency that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable web servers without requiring any form of authentication or user interaction. This type of vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms when handling parameters passed by the client application to server-side scripts. In this specific context, the plugin fails to adequately verify whether the file paths provided in HTTP requests are legitimate local files within the WordPress installation directory or if they represent external resources hosted on a remote server controlled by an attacker. This lack of rigorous validation creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary Uniform Resource Locators into script execution contexts, thereby bypassing standard security controls that typically restrict access to internal system resources only.
From a technical perspective, the core issue lies in how the plugin processes user-supplied input related to map configurations or API integrations. When an attacker constructs a specially crafted HTTP request containing a malicious URL pointing to a remote PHP script hosted on their own server, the vulnerable application accepts this input and includes it within its execution flow using functions such as include() or require(). Because these PHP functions interpret the content of the included file as executable code rather than static data, any commands embedded within the remote file are executed with the same privileges as the web server process. This mechanism effectively transforms a simple inclusion error into a full Remote Code Execution vector, allowing for complete compromise of the underlying infrastructure hosting the WordPress instance. The absence of authentication requirements means that this exploit can be launched by anyone on the internet who has network access to the target website, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for attackers and increasing the likelihood of automated exploitation via large-scale scanning tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, extending beyond mere data exposure to encompass total system control. Once an attacker successfully executes arbitrary code through this Remote File Inclusion flaw, they can perform a wide array of malicious actions including but not limited to defacing the website, stealing sensitive user data such as credentials and personal information stored in the WordPress database, installing backdoors for persistent access, or using the compromised server as part of a botnet for distributed denial-of-service attacks. Furthermore, because web servers often have elevated privileges relative to standard users, an attacker can potentially escalate their access further by exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities within the operating system itself. This compromises not only the integrity and confidentiality of the specific WordPress site but also poses risks to other applications or services running on the same server environment due to shared resources and potential lateral movement opportunities.
To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, immediate action is required from website administrators and developers responsible for maintaining Easy Google Maps installations. The primary remediation step involves upgrading the plugin to version 1.14.2 or later, where these input validation issues have been addressed by implementing strict allowlists for file paths and ensuring that only local files within the expected directory structure can be included. Additionally, administrators should review server-side configurations to disable dangerous PHP functions if they are not strictly necessary for application functionality, although this is a less preferred defense-in-depth measure compared to patching the code itself. It is also advisable to implement Web Application Firewalls configured with rules that detect and block common Remote File Inclusion patterns in HTTP requests, providing an additional layer of protection while patches are being applied. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual file inclusion attempts can further enhance the resilience of the environment against such exploitation techniques.
This vulnerability aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-94, which describes Improper Control of Generation of Code or Script typically known as Code Injection, specifically in the context of server-side script execution via included files. It also maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1505.003, Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) if interpreted broadly, but more accurately fits within the broader category of injection attacks where untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query. Understanding these classifications helps security professionals categorize similar vulnerabilities across different software ecosystems and apply standardized mitigation strategies derived from industry best practices for secure coding and server hardening procedures.