CVE-2025-46264 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-434, which pertains to the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types. This specific vulnerability affects the PowerPress Podcasting plugin developed by Angelo Mandato, up to and including version 11.12.5. The core issue lies in the plugin's insufficient validation or restriction mechanisms on file uploads, allowing an attacker to upload malicious files such as web shells to the web server hosting the plugin. A web shell is a script that enables remote command execution on the compromised server, potentially granting attackers full control over the affected system. This vulnerability does not require prior authentication or user interaction, making it exploitable by unauthenticated remote attackers. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (April 24, 2025), the nature of the vulnerability presents a significant risk if exploited. The lack of patch links indicates that a fix may not yet be available, or the vendor has not publicly released one at the time of this report. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments for podcast management, meaning that many websites leveraging this plugin could be at risk if they have not updated or applied mitigations. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, defacement, or use of the server as a pivot point for further attacks within a network.

For European organizations, the exploitation of CVE-2025-46264 could have severe consequences. Organizations relying on WordPress sites with the PowerPress Podcasting plugin could face unauthorized remote code execution, leading to full compromise of web servers. This can result in data breaches involving sensitive personal data protected under GDPR, causing regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, compromised servers could be used to distribute malware, conduct phishing campaigns, or launch attacks on other internal or external targets, amplifying the impact. The availability of affected systems could be disrupted due to defacement or server downtime caused by attacker activities. Given the plugin's role in podcast content delivery, media companies and content providers could experience service interruptions, impacting business continuity and customer trust. The medium severity rating may underestimate the real-world impact if exploited, especially since web shells often lead to persistent and stealthy compromises.

1. Immediate mitigation should involve disabling file upload functionality in the PowerPress Podcasting plugin until a patch is available. 2. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block attempts to upload files with executable extensions or known web shell signatures. 3. Restrict file upload directories with strict permissions and disable execution rights on upload folders to prevent execution of uploaded scripts. 4. Monitor web server logs for suspicious upload activity or access patterns indicative of web shell deployment. 5. Conduct regular integrity checks on web directories to detect unauthorized files. 6. Update the PowerPress Podcasting plugin promptly once a vendor patch is released. 7. Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised web server on internal systems. 8. Educate site administrators on the risks of unrestricted file uploads and enforce strict content validation policies. 9. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) solutions to detect and block malicious behaviors in real time. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on immediate containment, detection, and hardening specific to the nature of this vulnerability.