CVE-2025-4413
📋 TL;DR
The Pixabay Images WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers with Author-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files due to missing file type validation. This vulnerability affects all versions up to 3.4 and can lead to remote code execution on vulnerable WordPress sites.
💻 Affected Systems
- Pixabay Images 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
Full server compromise through remote code execution, allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal data, deface websites, or pivot to internal networks.
Likely Case
Website defacement, malware distribution, credential theft, or data exfiltration through uploaded malicious files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file upload restrictions and user access controls are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires Author-level WordPress credentials. Attackers can upload PHP files directly to achieve RCE.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/pixabay-images/trunk/pixabay-images.php
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Pixabay Images plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.5+ from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate pixabay-images
Restrict File Uploads
linuxAdd server-side file type validation via .htaccess or web server configuration
# Add to .htaccess: <FilesMatch "\.(php|phtml|php3|php4|php5|phps|php7|php8|inc)$">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Author and higher role access from untrusted users
- Implement web application firewall rules to block suspicious file uploads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Pixabay Images for version number. If version is 3.4 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get pixabay-images --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.5 or higher in WordPress admin panel. Test file upload functionality with non-image files.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to wp-content/uploads/pixabay-images/
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=pixabay_upload
- PHP file execution from upload directories
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests with file uploads to WordPress admin endpoints
- Unusual outbound connections from WordPress server after file uploads
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("pixabay_upload" OR "pixabay-images") AND ("php" OR "phtml" OR "php3" OR "php4" OR "php5" OR "phps" OR "php7" OR "php8" OR "inc")