Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerability in Download From Files Plugin by WordPress
CVE-2021-47940

9.3CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
Download From Files
Vendor
CVE Published:
10 May 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2021-47940?

The Download From Files plugin for WordPress, up to version 1.48, is vulnerable to an arbitrary file upload issue that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers. By sending POST requests to the admin-ajax.php endpoint with specifically crafted payloads, attackers can manipulate the allowExt parameter to bypass standard file type restrictions. This enables them to upload malicious files, including executable scripts such as PHP shells, directly to the web root, posing significant security risks for affected websites.

Affected Version(s)

Download From Files 0 <= 1.48

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2021-47940 - Proof of Concept

References

https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/50287
exploit
https://wordpress.org/plugins/download-from-files/
product
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wordpress-download-f...
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
9.3
Severity:
CRITICAL
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

spacehen
.