CVE-2026-81090 in Gpx2Graphics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2026
The Gpx2Graphics WordPress plugin through 0.3 does not perform a CSRF check when handling file uploads, nor validate the type of the uploaded file, allowing attackers to make a logged-in administrator upload arbitrary files such as PHP via a CSRF attack, leading to Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2026
The vulnerability identified in Gpx2Graphics WordPress plugin versions through 0.3 represents a critical security flaw rooted in insufficient input validation and the absence of anti-CSRF protections within its file handling mechanisms. This specific weakness allows authenticated attackers, particularly those with administrative privileges or users who can trick an administrator into performing actions, to upload arbitrary files to the server. The core technical failure lies in two distinct areas: first, the plugin does not implement Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) tokens or checks when processing file upload requests, and second, it fails to validate the MIME type or extension of the uploaded content against a strict allowlist. This combination creates an environment where malicious actors can bypass standard security controls that are typically expected in web applications handling user-uploaded data.
From a technical perspective, the lack of CSRF protection means that any HTTP POST request containing file upload parameters will be accepted by the server regardless of its origin. An attacker can craft a malicious webpage or email link that, when visited by an administrator who is currently logged into the WordPress dashboard, triggers this upload functionality automatically without the user's explicit consent or knowledge. Simultaneously, the absence of file type validation ensures that files with dangerous extensions, such as PHP scripts, are not rejected during the ingestion process. The server processes these requests and stores the uploaded content in a publicly accessible directory within the plugin’s structure, effectively placing executable code on the web root or subdirectories where it can be invoked via standard HTTP GET requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, leading directly to Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the affected WordPress installation. Once an attacker successfully uploads a PHP shell or similar malicious script through this CSRF vector, they gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the same privileges as the web server process. This typically results in full compromise of the underlying system, allowing for data exfiltration, defacement, lateral movement within the network, and installation of persistent backdoors such as web shells or malware. The attack chain is particularly dangerous because it leverages social engineering tactics combined with automated exploitation, requiring no complex manual interaction beyond tricking an administrator into visiting a malicious link while authenticated.
This vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-352, which describes Cross-Site Request Forgery, and CWE-434, the unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this exploit maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically through web shells, and falls under initial access vectors like T1189, Drive-by Compromise or T1204, User Execution, depending on how the CSRF payload is delivered. The failure to validate file types also relates to CWE-79, Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, as it allows for server-side code execution rather than just client-side script injection.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate action must be taken by administrators using affected versions of Gpx2Graphics. The most effective remediation is to update the plugin to version 0.4 or later, where these security flaws have been addressed. If updating is not immediately possible, temporary mitigations include disabling file upload capabilities for all users except those with strictly defined needs and ensuring that any uploaded files are stored outside of publicly accessible directories if the application architecture permits. Additionally, implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to block requests containing suspicious file extensions or patterns associated with web shells can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts while permanent fixes are deployed. Regular security audits and adherence to secure coding standards that mandate CSRF token verification for all state-changing operations are essential preventive measures for future development cycles.