CVE-2025-46099 is a vulnerability identified in Pluck CMS version 4.7.20-dev. This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to upload or create a malicious PHP file within the albums module directory. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation or sanitization in the albums.site.php module routing logic, which permits the attacker to access the crafted PHP file via a GET parameter. Exploiting this flaw enables arbitrary command execution on the server hosting the CMS. The attack requires the attacker to have authenticated access, which implies that the attacker must have valid user credentials or have compromised an account with upload privileges. Once exploited, the attacker can execute commands remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits are currently known in the wild. The vulnerability is significant because it leverages a common web application weakness—improper handling of file uploads and routing logic—resulting in remote code execution (RCE). This type of vulnerability is highly critical in web-facing applications, especially content management systems that are often targeted by attackers due to their widespread use and internet exposure. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for affected organizations to implement mitigations or consider alternative protective measures.

For European organizations using Pluck CMS, this vulnerability poses a serious risk. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, or use of compromised servers as a foothold for further attacks within the corporate network. Given that Pluck CMS is a web content management system, it is likely used by small to medium enterprises, educational institutions, and possibly government agencies for managing websites. The arbitrary command execution capability could allow attackers to deploy malware, exfiltrate data, or disrupt services, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. In sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, a breach resulting from this vulnerability could lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Additionally, the requirement for authentication means that insider threats or compromised user credentials could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability, emphasizing the need for strong access controls and monitoring. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details become widely known.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting upload permissions strictly to trusted users and roles, minimizing the number of accounts with upload capabilities within the Pluck CMS albums module. 2. Implement strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Monitor and audit user activities related to file uploads and access to the albums module to detect suspicious behavior early. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block attempts to access or execute unauthorized PHP files, especially those accessed via GET parameters in the albums module path. 5. If possible, disable or restrict the execution of PHP files in the albums directory through server configuration (e.g., using .htaccess or web server directives) to prevent execution of uploaded scripts. 6. Regularly update and patch Pluck CMS once a vendor-provided fix becomes available. 7. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focused on file upload and routing functionalities to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. 8. Educate users about phishing and credential security to prevent account compromise that could lead to exploitation.