CVE-2023-6449Network attack vector

Authenticated file upload via incomplete validation

Published Dec 1, 2023 · Updated Apr 8, 2026

Arbitrary file upload in Contact Form 7 5.8.3 and earlier allows remote authenticated users with Editor access to write files to the server. The validate method accepts malformed extension specifications as file types, while wpcf7_antiscript_file_name leaves dangerous filename characters intact. Uploads normally receive execution protection and are deleted immediately; code execution requires another plugin to retain the file and a second flaw such as local file inclusion.

CVSS severity6.6
Medium
EPSS probability1.73%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Arbitrary file upload in Contact Form 7 5.8.3 and earlier allows remote authenticated users with Editor access to write files to the server. The validate method accepts malformed extension specifications as file types, while wpcf7_antiscript_file_name leaves dangerous filename characters intact. Uploads normally receive execution protection and are deleted immediately; code execution requires another plugin to retain the file and a second flaw such as local file inclusion.

The record

CVE
CVE-2023-6449
Published
Dec 1, 2023
Updated
Apr 8, 2026
Vendor
Rock Lobster Inc.
Product
Contact Form 7
Classifications
CWE-434, T1105
Attack vector
network
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Dec 1, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Apr 8, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=0 <=5.8.3

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesauthenticated

What is affected?

Rock Lobster Inc. · Contact Form 7version=0 <=5.8.3

Published CVSS scores

7.2NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
6.6WordfenceCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-434Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
T1105Ingress Tool Transfer

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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