CVE-2022-3076 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the CM Download Manager WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.8.6. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434, which involves the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types. Specifically, this flaw allows users with high privileges—such as administrators in a multisite WordPress environment—to upload arbitrary files by manipulating the plugin's settings to accept any file extension. This capability can be exploited to upload malicious PHP files or other executable scripts to the server. Since WordPress plugins typically run with the web server's privileges, successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, full site compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the hosting environment. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond the actions of a privileged user, and the attack vector is network-based, meaning it can be exploited remotely if an attacker gains or already has admin-level access. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.2 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with relatively low attack complexity and no user interaction required. Although no known exploits in the wild have been reported, the potential damage from exploitation is significant, especially in multisite WordPress installations where a single compromised admin account could affect multiple sites. The lack of a patch link in the provided data suggests that users should verify plugin updates directly from official sources to ensure remediation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, particularly for those relying on WordPress multisite setups for corporate blogs, intranets, or customer-facing portals. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to implant backdoors, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or disrupt services. The compromise of a multisite environment could cascade, affecting multiple business units or subsidiaries simultaneously. Given the widespread use of WordPress across Europe, including in sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, and government, the potential for reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR breaches), and operational disruption is considerable. Additionally, the ability to upload arbitrary PHP files could facilitate the deployment of ransomware or other malware, further amplifying the impact. Organizations with less mature privilege management or those that allow multiple administrators without strict controls are at higher risk. The vulnerability's exploitation could also be leveraged as a foothold for broader attacks against European supply chains or critical infrastructure if WordPress is used in those contexts.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first ensure that the CM Download Manager plugin is updated to version 2.8.6 or later, where the issue is resolved. If immediate patching is not feasible, administrators should restrict plugin settings to disallow arbitrary file extensions and enforce strict file type validation. Limiting the number of users with high privileges and implementing role-based access control can reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also monitor file upload directories for suspicious files, especially PHP scripts, and employ web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block malicious uploads. Regular security audits and integrity checks of WordPress installations can help identify unauthorized changes early. Additionally, isolating WordPress instances in segmented network zones and applying the principle of least privilege to the web server process can limit the impact of a successful exploit. Backup strategies should be reviewed and tested to ensure rapid recovery in case of compromise. Finally, educating administrators about the risks of unrestricted file uploads and enforcing strong authentication mechanisms (e.g., MFA) can further reduce attack vectors.