The anthonyeden RESTful Content Syndication plugin for WordPress, specifically versions 1.1.0 through 1.5.0, contains a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-12171 (CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type). The vulnerability arises from the ingest_image() function, which lacks proper validation of uploaded file types. This flaw allows authenticated users with Author-level privileges or higher to upload arbitrary files to the server hosting the WordPress site. Since the plugin integrates with third-party servers defined in its settings, exploitation requires the attacker to have access to these servers, limiting the attack surface primarily to users with elevated privileges, such as administrators. Successful exploitation could enable remote code execution (RCE), compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the high impact and relatively low attack complexity, with no user interaction required. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using this plugin. The absence of patch links suggests that fixes may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the anthonyeden RESTful Content Syndication plugin installed. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized file uploads, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to full site compromise, data breaches, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks. This threatens the confidentiality of sensitive data, the integrity of website content, and the availability of web services. Given the widespread use of WordPress across Europe, including in government, education, and commercial sectors, the impact could be broad. Organizations with less stringent access controls or those that grant Author-level access to multiple users are particularly vulnerable. The requirement for access to a third-party server reduces the likelihood of exploitation by lower-privileged users but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or compromised administrator accounts.

1. Immediately audit and restrict user privileges to ensure only trusted personnel have Author-level or higher access, especially to plugin settings. 2. Monitor and log all file upload activities within the WordPress environment to detect suspicious uploads. 3. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block malicious file uploads targeting this plugin. 4. Isolate or restrict access to any third-party servers configured in the plugin settings to trusted networks and users only. 5. Regularly review and update WordPress plugins, and apply patches promptly once available for this vulnerability. 6. Consider disabling or uninstalling the RESTful Content Syndication plugin if it is not essential to reduce attack surface. 7. Employ file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to web server files. 8. Educate administrators and content authors about the risks of privilege misuse and the importance of secure credential management.