CVE-2025-2249: WordPress SoJ SoundSlides Plugin Vulnerability Exposes Sites to Arbitrary File Uploads

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-2249) in the WordPress SoJ SoundSlides plugin allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). The flaw, rated 8.8 (High) on the CVSS scale, affects all versions up to and including 1.2.2. This vulnerability stems from missing file type validation in the soj_soundslides_options_subpanel() function, as confirmed by multiple sources including the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and Wordfence^{1, 2}.

Technical Analysis of the Vulnerability

The SoJ SoundSlides plugin fails to validate file types during uploads, enabling attackers to bypass security controls. According to a GitHub PoC published four hours after disclosure, malicious actors can upload ZIP archives containing PHP files³. The vulnerability requires Contributor-level privileges, which are typically granted to untrusted users in multi-author WordPress environments. Once uploaded, these files can be executed on the server, providing attackers with persistent access.

Wordfence’s threat intelligence team notes that the plugin’s insecure implementation processes uploads without proper sanitization checks². The attack vector resembles other WordPress file upload vulnerabilities disclosed in March 2025, which accounted for 30% of all plugin-related CVEs⁴. Unlike unauthenticated flaws, this vulnerability requires initial access but poses significant risk due to WordPress’s common practice of granting Contributor roles to external collaborators.

Mitigation and Remediation Steps

Administrators should immediately implement the following measures:

Update to a patched version if available (monitor the plugin’s official channel)
Restrict Contributor privileges or disable the plugin entirely
Audit server directories for suspicious files (e.g., unexpected PHP or executable files in upload folders)

For organizations requiring the plugin’s functionality, Wordfence recommends implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to block malicious upload patterns². Server-side file integrity monitoring can also detect unauthorized changes resulting from exploitation attempts.

Broader WordPress Security Context

This vulnerability appears during a period of increased WordPress plugin disclosures. SolidWP’s March 2025 report documented 240 vulnerabilities, with 189 remaining unpatched⁴. High-severity flaws in popular plugins like Kubio AI Page Builder (CVSS 9.8) and WP Compress (CVSS 8.8) demonstrate similar privilege escalation risks⁴.

Researchers João Pedro Soares de Alcântara and Lucio Sá have collectively disclosed 79 WordPress-related CVEs in the past month, highlighting the platform’s ongoing security challenges⁴. File upload vulnerabilities remain particularly dangerous due to their potential for direct code execution, as seen in the Tourfic plugin (CVE-2025-24650)⁵.

Conclusion

CVE-2025-2249 represents a significant threat to WordPress sites using the SoJ SoundSlides plugin. While no active exploits have been reported at publication time, the available PoC and high CVSS score suggest imminent weaponization. Organizations should prioritize patch management and review role assignments to mitigate risks associated with this and similar vulnerabilities.