CVE-2026-0740
Arbitrary File Upload in Ninja Forms Plugin Enables RCE
Publication date: 2026-04-07
Last updated on: 2026-04-07
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| ninja_forms | file_uploads | to 3.3.26 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-434 | The product allows the upload or transfer of dangerous file types that are automatically processed within its environment. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
The vulnerability in the Ninja Forms - File Uploads plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files, potentially leading to remote code execution. Such unauthorized access and control over server files can result in data breaches or unauthorized data manipulation.
This kind of security flaw can negatively impact compliance with common standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, which require strict controls over data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Failure to prevent unauthorized file uploads and potential remote code execution could lead to exposure of personal or sensitive data, violating these regulations.
However, the plugin has implemented multiple security enhancements in recent versions, including file type validation, path sanitization, and blocking executable files, which help mitigate these risks and improve compliance posture when properly updated.
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2026-0740 is a security vulnerability in the Ninja Forms - File Uploads plugin for WordPress that allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to the affected website's server. This happens because the plugin's file upload function lacks proper file type validation, enabling attackers to bypass restrictions and upload potentially dangerous files.
The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.3.26. It was partially fixed in version 3.3.25 and fully patched in version 3.3.27 by implementing stricter file type blacklisting, sanitizing file paths, and improving validation mechanisms.
The plugin normally uses a whitelist approach to restrict file types and blocks executable files both client-side and server-side. It also supports routing uploads to cloud storage with controlled access. However, before the patch, attackers could bypass these protections.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can have severe impacts including allowing attackers to upload malicious files such as web shells or scripts that can be executed remotely on the server.
Successful exploitation may lead to remote code execution, full site compromise, data theft, defacement, or use of the server for further attacks.
Because the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, it poses a high risk to any site using the affected plugin versions.
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
Detection of this vulnerability involves checking if the affected WordPress site is running the Ninja Forms - File Uploads plugin version 3.3.26 or earlier, as these versions lack proper file type validation allowing arbitrary file uploads.
You can inspect the plugin version via WordPress admin dashboard or by checking the plugin files directly.
To detect potential exploitation attempts, monitor web server logs for suspicious file upload requests targeting the 'NF_FU_AJAX_Controllers_Uploads::handle_upload' function or unusual file types being uploaded.
- Use command-line tools to search for suspicious uploaded files, for example:
- grep -r --include='*' -iE '\.(exe|bat|sh|php|phtml|pl|py|jsp|asp|aspx)$' /path/to/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/
- Check plugin version via WP-CLI:
- wp plugin get ninja-forms-file-uploads --field=version
These commands help identify if disallowed executable files exist in upload directories and confirm if the vulnerable plugin version is installed.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
The primary mitigation step is to update the Ninja Forms - File Uploads plugin to version 3.3.27 or later, where the vulnerability is fully patched.
If immediate update is not possible, consider temporarily disabling the file upload functionality or restricting access to the upload endpoints to trusted users only.
Implement server-side file type validation and blacklist executable file extensions to prevent malicious uploads.
Review and remove any suspicious files that may have been uploaded exploiting this vulnerability.
Consider routing uploaded files to secure cloud storage providers as supported by the plugin to reduce risk on the WordPress server.