CVE-2025-49387 is a critical vulnerability classified under CWE-434, which pertains to the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types. This vulnerability affects the 'Drag and Drop File Upload for Elementor Forms' plugin developed by add-ons.org, specifically versions up to 1.5.3. The core issue lies in the plugin's failure to properly restrict or validate the types of files that users can upload through its drag-and-drop interface. As a result, an attacker can upload malicious files, such as web shells, directly to the web server hosting the vulnerable plugin. A web shell is a script that enables remote command execution on the server, effectively granting the attacker full control over the compromised system. The CVSS v3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 10.0, indicating a critical severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H) highlights that the attack can be performed remotely over the network without any authentication or user interaction, and it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a scope change, meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no public exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the nature of the vulnerability and its ease of exploitation make it a high-risk threat. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass file type restrictions, upload arbitrary code, and execute it on the server, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the affected network. Given that Elementor Forms is a popular WordPress plugin widely used for creating forms, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites relying on this plugin for user input and file uploads.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-49387 can be severe. Many businesses, government agencies, and service providers in Europe use WordPress and its plugins, including Elementor Forms, for their web presence and customer interactions. A successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive personal data protected under GDPR, resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage. The ability to upload and execute web shells can compromise the entire web server, allowing attackers to steal confidential information, disrupt services, or use the compromised infrastructure as a pivot point for further attacks within the organization's network. This is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, where data confidentiality and service availability are paramount. Additionally, the scope of the vulnerability means that the attacker could affect other systems connected to the compromised server, amplifying the potential damage. The lack of required authentication and user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the likelihood of attacks targeting European entities.

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-49387, European organizations should take immediate and specific actions beyond generic patching advice: 1. Upgrade or Patch: Monitor the add-ons.org plugin repository and security advisories for an official patch or updated version that addresses this vulnerability. Apply updates promptly once available. 2. Temporary Disablement: If a patch is not yet available, consider disabling the Drag and Drop File Upload feature or the entire Elementor Forms plugin to prevent exploitation. 3. File Upload Restrictions: Implement server-side validation to restrict allowed file types strictly. Use whitelisting approaches rather than blacklisting, and verify MIME types and file signatures. 4. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy or update WAF rules to detect and block attempts to upload suspicious files or web shells targeting this plugin. 5. Server Hardening: Restrict execution permissions in upload directories to prevent execution of uploaded scripts. Configure the web server to deny execution of files in upload folders. 6. Monitoring and Incident Response: Enable logging and monitoring for unusual file uploads and web shell indicators. Prepare incident response plans to quickly isolate and remediate compromised systems. 7. Least Privilege: Ensure that the web server and plugin operate with the least privileges necessary to limit the impact of any compromise. 8. Backup and Recovery: Maintain regular backups of website data and configurations to enable rapid restoration in case of compromise.