CVE-2025-3616 is a vulnerability identified in the Greenshift – animation and page builder blocks plugin for WordPress, developed by wpsoul. The flaw exists in versions 11.4 through 11.4.5 of the plugin and is categorized under CWE-434, which pertains to unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation of file types within the gspb_make_proxy_api_request() function. This lack of proper validation enables authenticated users with Subscriber-level privileges or higher to upload arbitrary files to the server hosting the WordPress site. Since Subscribers typically have limited permissions, this vulnerability significantly lowers the bar for exploitation compared to vulnerabilities requiring higher privilege levels. The uploaded files could be crafted to contain malicious code, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE) on the affected server. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands, compromise the server, and pivot to other internal resources. The vulnerability was partially addressed in version 11.4.5 by patching the arbitrary file upload mechanism. However, a more robust fix was implemented in version 11.4.6, which introduced a capability check to restrict unauthorized limited file uploads, thereby strengthening the security posture against this attack vector. As of the publication date, no known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used WordPress plugin presents a significant risk if left unpatched. The plugin’s role in animation and page building means it is often installed on websites with dynamic content, increasing the attractiveness of targets for attackers seeking to leverage this vulnerability for website defacement, data theft, or establishing persistent footholds.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on WordPress websites for business operations, customer engagement, or e-commerce. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of public-facing websites, and disruption of services. The ability to upload arbitrary files and potentially execute remote code can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. This is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure where website integrity and data protection are paramount. Additionally, compromised websites can be used as launchpads for further attacks, including phishing campaigns targeting European users or supply chain attacks affecting partners and customers. The medium severity rating reflects the requirement for authenticated access at Subscriber level, which somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk given the commonality of such accounts on WordPress sites. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests that proactive patching and monitoring can effectively mitigate the threat before widespread exploitation occurs.

European organizations should take immediate steps to mitigate this vulnerability beyond generic patching advice. First, upgrade the Greenshift plugin to version 11.4.6 or later, which includes both the file upload patch and the capability check to prevent unauthorized uploads. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, temporarily disable or restrict access to the plugin’s file upload functionality, especially for Subscriber-level users. Implement strict user role management and audit existing user accounts to remove or limit Subscriber-level accounts that are unnecessary or potentially compromised. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts targeting the vulnerable function. Conduct regular file integrity monitoring on web servers to detect unauthorized file additions or modifications. Additionally, enforce server-side restrictions on executable file types and permissions to reduce the risk of uploaded files being executed. Finally, monitor logs for unusual activity related to file uploads and authentication events to identify potential exploitation attempts early.