CVE-2025-23942
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to upload arbitrary files, including web shells, to WordPress servers running the WP Load Gallery plugin. Attackers can gain full control of affected websites, potentially compromising the entire server. All WordPress sites using WP Load Gallery versions up to 2.1.6 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP Load Gallery WordPress 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
Complete server compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or use as part of a botnet for further attacks.
Likely Case
Website defacement, data exfiltration, or installation of backdoors for persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited to plugin directory access only, preventing full server compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to WordPress, but once obtained, file upload is trivial.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.7 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP Load Gallery and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 2.1.7 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate wp-load-gallery
Restrict File Uploads
allAdd web application firewall rules to block uploads of executable files.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the plugin entirely if not essential
- Implement strict file upload validation at the web server level
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for WP Load Gallery version 2.1.6 or lower.Check Version:
wp plugin get wp-load-gallery --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm WP Load Gallery version is 2.1.7 or higher in WordPress admin.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to wp-content/plugins/wp-load-gallery/ directory
- POST requests to upload endpoints with PHP/executable files
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /wp-content/plugins/wp-load-gallery/upload.php with suspicious file types
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri_path="/wp-content/plugins/wp-load-gallery/upload.php" AND method="POST")