CVE-2025-6207
📋 TL;DR
The WP Import Export Lite WordPress plugin allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files due to missing file type validation. This vulnerability can lead to remote code execution on affected WordPress sites. All versions up to and including 3.9.28 are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP Import Export Lite WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ 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 other systems.
Likely Case
Website defacement, malware injection, data theft, or creation of backdoors for persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file upload restrictions and user permission controls are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.9.29 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3323402/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP Import Export Lite. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate wp-import-export-lite
Restrict User Permissions
allRemove import/export permissions from Subscriber and other non-admin roles.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall rules to block file uploads to the vulnerable endpoint.
- Restrict file uploads at server level using .htaccess or web server configuration.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin panel under Plugins > Installed Plugins.Check Version:
wp plugin get wp-import-export-lite --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.9.29 or higher and test file upload functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=wpie_tempalte_import
- PHP file uploads from non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to admin-ajax.php with file uploads
- Suspicious file extensions in upload requests
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND "admin-ajax.php" AND "wpie_tempalte_import" AND ("php" OR "exe" OR "phtml")