CVE-2025-2512 is a critical security vulnerability classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) found in the File Away plugin for WordPress developed by thomstark. The vulnerability exists in the upload() function present in all versions up to and including 3.9.9.0.1. Due to the absence of capability checks and file type validation, unauthenticated attackers can upload arbitrary files to the web server hosting the vulnerable WordPress site. This lack of validation means that attackers can potentially upload malicious scripts or executable files, which could be executed remotely, leading to remote code execution (RCE). The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without any authentication or user interaction, making it highly dangerous. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the critical nature of the flaw with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the ease of exploitation and severity make it a prime target for attackers. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin, indicating a need for immediate remediation. The plugin’s widespread use in WordPress environments, which power a significant portion of the web, increases the potential attack surface. The vulnerability could allow attackers to take full control of affected servers, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or launch further attacks within compromised networks.

The impact of CVE-2025-2512 is severe for organizations worldwide that use the File Away plugin on WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server. This can result in full server compromise, data theft, website defacement, deployment of malware or ransomware, and pivoting to internal networks. The vulnerability affects confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications, and availability by potentially disrupting services. Since the exploit requires no authentication or user interaction, any publicly accessible WordPress site with the vulnerable plugin is at risk. This can lead to widespread defacement or mass compromise of websites, damaging organizational reputation and causing financial losses. Additionally, compromised servers can be used as launchpads for further attacks, including phishing, spam, or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for organizations to implement mitigations. The vulnerability also poses risks to hosting providers and managed WordPress service providers, who may have multiple clients affected simultaneously.

1. Immediate action should be to disable the File Away plugin until a security patch or update is released by the vendor. 2. If disabling is not feasible, restrict file upload permissions on the web server to the minimum necessary and configure the server to reject executable file types (e.g., .php, .exe, .js) in upload directories. 3. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts targeting the vulnerable upload() function. 4. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual file upload activity or execution of unexpected scripts. 5. Isolate or sandbox upload directories with strict permissions to prevent execution of uploaded files. 6. Regularly scan the website and server for web shells or malicious files that may have been uploaded. 7. Enforce least privilege principles for WordPress users and plugins to reduce attack surface. 8. Stay informed about vendor updates and apply patches immediately once available. 9. Consider using security plugins that provide enhanced file upload validation and monitoring capabilities. 10. Conduct security awareness training for site administrators about the risks of plugin vulnerabilities and safe plugin management practices.