CVE-2023-27440
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated WordPress users to upload arbitrary files, including malicious scripts, to affected websites. It affects the Toolset Types plugin versions up to 3.4.17. Attackers could upload dangerous file types that execute code on the server.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Toolset Types plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete website takeover
Likely Case
Website defacement, malware distribution, or backdoor installation for persistent access
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file execution is prevented by server configuration or security plugins
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated user credentials; public exploit code exists
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.4.18 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/types/wordpress-toolset-types-plugin-3-4-17-authenticated-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
3. Find 'Toolset Types' plugin
4. Click 'Update Now' if available
5. If no update shows, download version 3.4.18+ from WordPress.org
6. Deactivate old version, upload new version, activate
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Toolset Types plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate types
Restrict file uploads
linuxConfigure web server to block execution of uploaded files in wp-content/uploads directory
Add 'Options -ExecCGI' and 'RemoveHandler .php .php3 .phtml .pl .py .jsp .asp .htm .shtml .sh .cgi' to .htaccess in uploads directory
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file upload validation using security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri
- Apply principle of least privilege: restrict user roles and permissions to minimize attack surface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Toolset Types version. If version is 3.4.17 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get types --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Toolset Types plugin version is 3.4.18 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to wp-content/uploads directory
- PHP/executable files uploaded by non-admin users
- Multiple failed upload attempts
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with file upload parameters
- Unusual traffic to newly uploaded files
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("upload" OR "admin-ajax") AND ("php" OR "exe" OR "sh" OR "py")