CVE-2025-3054 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the WP User Frontend Pro plugin for WordPress, specifically all versions up to and including 4.1.3. The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper file type validation in the upload_files() function, which is part of the plugin's file upload mechanism. This flaw allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level privileges or higher to upload arbitrary files to the web server hosting the affected WordPress site. Exploitation requires that the 'Private Message' module is enabled and that the Business version of the PRO software is in use. Because the uploaded files are not properly validated, an attacker could upload malicious files such as web shells or scripts, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8 reflects the critical nature of the vulnerability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required at a low level, no user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of the WP User Frontend Pro plugin in managing user-generated content and front-end submissions. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434, which concerns unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities that can lead to code execution or other malicious outcomes.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the WP User Frontend Pro plugin to manage user content or business processes. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, defacement, or complete server compromise. This could disrupt business operations, damage reputations, and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to potential data exposure. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, education, government, and media, which often use WordPress extensively, may be particularly vulnerable. The requirement for only Subscriber-level access lowers the barrier for attackers, including malicious insiders or compromised user accounts, to exploit the vulnerability. The ability to achieve remote code execution could allow attackers to pivot within the network, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy ransomware, amplifying the potential damage. Given the high CVSS score and the criticality of web-facing infrastructure, the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is severe.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should immediately verify if they are using the WP User Frontend Pro plugin, particularly the Business version with the Private Message module enabled. If so, they should upgrade to a patched version as soon as it becomes available from the vendor. In the absence of an official patch, organizations should consider disabling the Private Message module or the entire plugin temporarily to prevent exploitation. Implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual file uploads or web shell indicators on affected servers is critical. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect and block suspicious file upload patterns and restrict execution permissions on upload directories. Additionally, organizations should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users have only the necessary permissions, and consider multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of account compromise. Regular security audits and integrity checks of web server files can help detect unauthorized changes early. Finally, organizations should maintain comprehensive backups and incident response plans to recover quickly if exploitation occurs.