The Templately plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.8. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to write arbitrary .ai.json files to locations within the uploads directory. The root cause is inadequate input validation in the `save_template_to_file()` function, where user-controlled parameters like `session_id`, `content_id`, and `ai_page_ids` are used to construct file paths without proper sanitization.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects the low attack complexity and the fact that no user interaction or privileges are required for exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized file writes, which could lead to code execution or data exposure if the attacker is able to write malicious files. Although there are no known exploits currently available, the vulnerability presents a concerning attack vector due to its ease of exploitation.
Organizations are advised to address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to avoid exposure to possible exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The Templately plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Write due to inadequate input validation in the `save_template_to_file()` function. The vulnerability allows attackers to write arbitrary .ai.json files to the uploads directory, affecting all versions up to and including 3.4.8.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.3, classified under the following metrics: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-863.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the inadequate validation of user input in the `save_template_to_file()` function. The use of user-controlled parameters to construct file paths without proper sanitization allows for arbitrary file write operations.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, with a low attack complexity, meaning an attacker does not require significant technical skills to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, no privileges are required for execution, and no user interaction is needed, making it potentially easier for attackers.
The impact on confidentiality is none, while the integrity impact is low, as attackers may overwrite existing files or create new ones within the uploads directory. The availability impact is also none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk of this vulnerability to organizations includes unauthorized file write capabilities, which could lead to arbitrary file execution or data exposure. Given the medium severity and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation.
The potential blast radius is significant, especially for organizations utilizing the Templately plugin in high-traffic environments. Given the CVSS score of 5.3 and the absence of known exploits at this time, organizations should schedule remediation during their priority patch cycle.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch (up to and including 3.4.8) of the Templately plugin are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the patched version of the Templately plugin as soon as it is available. If immediate patching is not feasible, users should implement input validation measures on the parameters used in the `save_template_to_file()` function.
Additionally, organizations may consider implementing network controls to limit access to the uploads directory and monitoring the file system for unauthorized changes. Continuous security testing can also help identify similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further guidance on effective security practices, organizations can refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for any unusual file write activities within the uploads directory. Additionally, behavioral anomalies such as unexpected .ai.json file creations should be flagged for review.
Setting up network signatures for the Templately plugin can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability, especially if file paths are constructed using user-controlled parameters.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with inadequate input validation in web applications. Security teams should take this as a lesson to enforce strict validation and sanitization practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular updates and patch management in maintaining the security of plugins and applications. Organizations should be vigilant in monitoring for vulnerabilities and applying patches promptly.
For further information on security practices, organizations can review the vulnerability management program and consider leveraging the penetration testing methodology to ensure comprehensive security assessments.
In summary, organizations should stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-0831 and adopt a proactive approach to security to mitigate risks effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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