CVE-2025-10747 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the WP-DownloadManager plugin for WordPress, developed by gamerz. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of file types in the download-add.php script, allowing authenticated users with Administrator-level privileges or higher to upload arbitrary files to the server. Specifically, the plugin fails to restrict or sanitize the types of files that can be uploaded, which is classified under CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type. This flaw exists in all versions up to and including 1.68.11. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker with sufficient privileges can upload malicious files such as web shells or scripts that could lead to remote code execution (RCE) on the affected server. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2, reflecting a high severity due to network attack vector, low attack complexity, required high privileges, no user interaction, and a significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a serious risk because it enables attackers to potentially take full control of the WordPress site and underlying server infrastructure if they have administrator access. This is particularly concerning given the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of plugins like WP-DownloadManager for managing downloadable content. The vulnerability’s exploitation requires existing administrator credentials, which means initial compromise or insider threat scenarios are prerequisites for attack. However, once exploited, the attacker can bypass typical file upload restrictions and execute arbitrary code, leading to data breaches, defacement, or further lateral movement within the hosting environment.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could have significant consequences, especially for businesses and institutions relying on WordPress sites with the WP-DownloadManager plugin installed. The ability to upload arbitrary files and potentially execute remote code can lead to full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or service disruption. Sensitive customer data, intellectual property, and internal communications could be exposed or altered. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as launchpads for further attacks, including phishing campaigns targeting European users or supply chain attacks affecting European partners. The GDPR framework imposes strict data protection requirements, and a breach resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory fines and reputational damage. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media, which frequently use WordPress for content management, are at heightened risk. The requirement for administrator-level access means that internal security controls and credential management practices critically influence the risk level. However, insider threats or credential theft remain realistic attack vectors. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure further exacerbates the risk, necessitating immediate mitigation efforts to prevent exploitation.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately audit all WordPress installations to identify instances of the WP-DownloadManager plugin and verify the version in use. 2) Restrict administrator access strictly to trusted personnel and enforce strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3) Implement file integrity monitoring and web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious file uploads or execution attempts related to the vulnerable plugin. 4) Temporarily disable or remove the WP-DownloadManager plugin if it is not essential, or restrict its usage to non-administrator roles until a patch is available. 5) Monitor server logs and WordPress activity logs for unusual file upload patterns or unauthorized access attempts. 6) Harden the server environment by disabling execution permissions in upload directories and isolating WordPress instances using containerization or sandboxing techniques. 7) Stay informed about vendor updates and apply patches immediately once released. 8) Conduct regular security awareness training for administrators to recognize phishing and social engineering attempts that could lead to credential theft. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and environment hardening specific to this vulnerability’s exploitation path.