CVE-2021-25053
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the WP Coder WordPress plugin allows attackers to include arbitrary files with PHP extensions or via data:// and http:// protocols through a CSRF attack. This leads to remote code execution on affected WordPress sites. All WordPress installations using vulnerable versions of the WP Coder plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP Coder WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Wp Coder by Wow Company
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, install backdoors, steal data, deface websites, or use the server for further attacks.
Likely Case
Attackers gain shell access to the web server, install malware, create admin users, or deface the WordPress site.
If Mitigated
Attack is blocked by proper CSRF protections, file inclusion restrictions, or network segmentation limiting impact to the web application only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires CSRF to trigger the file inclusion. Attackers need to trick authenticated admin users into visiting malicious pages.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.5.2
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2641650/wp-coder
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP Coder plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.5.2+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WP Coder Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate wp-coder
Restrict Admin Access
allLimit admin panel access to trusted IP addresses only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict CSRF protection on all admin forms
- Use web application firewall rules to block file inclusion attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for WP Coder version. If version is below 2.5.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get wp-coder --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WP Coder plugin version is 2.5.2 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file inclusion attempts in web server logs
- POST requests to wp-coder admin endpoints with file parameters
- CSRF token validation failures
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing data:// or http:// protocols in file parameters
- Unusual outbound connections from web server after admin panel access
SIEM Query:
source="web_server.log" AND ("wp-coder" OR "wow-company") AND ("include" OR "data://" OR "http://")