CVE-2023-26852
Textpattern ≤ 4.8.8
Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HCVSS and EPSS are reproduced from their sources (NVD, FIRST EPSS). Risk Priority is our own derived reading, not an NVD score.
Summary
CVE-2023-26852 is a high-severity Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type (CWE-434) vulnerability in Textpattern Textpattern. Its CVSS base score is 7.2 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Data Obfuscation (T1001); ranked in the top 20% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog; a public proof-of-concept is referenced.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
CVE-2023-26852 is an arbitrary file upload vulnerability affecting the upload plugin in Textpattern versions 4.8.8 and earlier. The flaw, classified under CWE-434, permits an authenticated user to upload a crafted PHP file that can subsequently be executed on the server, leading to arbitrary code execution. The issue carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2, reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability when the required privileges are present.
An attacker with administrative or other high-privileged credentials can exploit the vulnerability remotely by uploading a malicious PHP payload through the affected plugin interface. Successful exploitation grants the ability to run arbitrary code on the underlying web server, potentially resulting in full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence within the Textpattern installation.
Public references include a proof-of-concept repository and the upstream Textpattern project page, but no vendor advisory or patch details are provided in the available sources. The CVE’s EPSS score has remained near 0.17 with only minimal fluctuation between its current and peak values, indicating moderate but stable exploitation interest rather than a sharp post-disclosure increase.
OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-30644
Vulnerability Data
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the upload plugin of Textpattern v4.8.8 and below allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a crafted PHP file.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Control response
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V5.1.1
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Requiring identifiable owners for portable devices reduces the attack surface for unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types via anonymous media.
Dangerous file uploads can be detonated in the chamber to determine malice before any production write or execution occurs.
Prevents unrestricted writing of arbitrary or malicious firmware by keeping hardware write-protect enabled except under tightly controlled manual procedures.
Scans files from external sources on download/open/execute, blocking unrestricted uploads of dangerous file types.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Hardened configuration baselines can enforce allowed file types and processing rules.
Restricting execution of unauthorized software directly blocks dangerous uploaded files from running.
Secure development practices include input validation and file-type restrictions that prevent this weakness.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.