Drag and Drop Disaster: Analyzing CVE-2025-5746 Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability

Introduction

In the bustling world of e-commerce, plugins like Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload for WooCommerce streamline user interactions, enhancing customer experiences. However, convenience sometimes comes at a severe security cost. Recently disclosed, CVE-2025-5746 exposes a critical flaw in this widely used plugin, enabling attackers to upload malicious files without authentication, potentially compromising entire servers and sensitive customer data.

Technical Information

The vulnerability stems from a lack of adequate file-type validation within the dnd_upload_cf7_upload_chunks() function. Attackers exploit this flaw by crafting HTTP POST requests to the plugin's AJAX endpoint (/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php), which accepts file uploads without verifying MIME types or file extensions. This oversight allows attackers to upload arbitrary files directly into the server's wp-content/uploads/ directory.

For example, an attacker could send the following crafted request:

POST /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php HTTP/1.1
Host: vulnerable-site.com
Content-Type: multipart/form-data

action=dnd_upload_cf7_upload_chunks&file=malicious.php&chunk=1&chunks=1

Although a .htaccess file within the upload directory attempts to restrict PHP execution, this measure is ineffective in environments like Nginx or IIS, or when misconfigured, thus enabling remote code execution.

Attackers also exploit the chunked upload feature to bypass traditional validation mechanisms. By splitting malicious files into smaller chunks, attackers evade detection, as the plugin reassembles these chunks without re-validating the final file.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability specifically affects:

• Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload (Pro) - WooCommerce plugin versions 5.0 through 5.0.5 (bundled with PrintSpace theme)
• Standalone versions up to and including 1.7.1

Server configurations that do not adequately restrict PHP execution in upload directories are particularly vulnerable.

Vendor Security History

Codedropz, the plugin's developer, has previously encountered similar vulnerabilities, including:

• CVE-2020-35489: Arbitrary File Upload (patched in version 5.3.2)
• CVE-2025-47577: Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution (patched in version 2.10.0)

These recurring issues suggest systemic weaknesses in secure coding practices and highlight the necessity for enhanced security measures within their development lifecycle.

References

• Official Plugin Page
• Wordfence Threat Intelligence
• NVD CVE-2025-5746 Entry

Conclusion

CVE-2025-5746 underscores the critical importance of stringent file validation mechanisms in web applications. Immediate action, including updating to patched versions, server hardening, and continuous monitoring, is essential to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. Organizations must remain vigilant, as threat actors actively exploit such flaws, emphasizing the need for proactive security practices.

Source: This report was created using AI

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