AskAny WordPress plugin: Unauthenticated arbitrary file upload leading to code execution
Summary
The AskAny WordPress plugin before version 2.2.0 does not validate the extension or content of files attached to chat messages and trusts the browser-supplied file type. An unauthenticated visitor can upload PHP files to the web server and execute arbitrary code on it. The attack requires that visitor attachments are enabled in the plugin.
Affected
- AskAny WordPress plugin before 2.2.0
- Exact affected version range and default configuration: Unknown, sources differ on version strings.
Fixed in
- Version 2.2.0 (according to WPScan, OffSeq and VulDB)
- Availability of 2.2.0 in the WordPress.org directory: Unknown, to be verified.
Workaround
- Disable visitor attachments in the plugin settings.
- Deactivate the plugin until version 2.2.0 is confirmed installed.
- A web application firewall may be configured to block uploads with executable file extensions; this is a compensating control and can be bypassed.
Exploitation
- Exploitation in the wild: Unknown; not listed in the CISA KEV catalogue.
- Public proof of concept: Unknown.
- Automatable: yes (CISA SSVC).
Our recommendation
- Check whether AskAny is installed on client sites and which version runs.
- Update to 2.2.0 or later once the release is confirmed, or deactivate the plugin.
- Disable visitor attachments if the feature is in use.
- Review the uploads directory for unexpected PHP files.
- Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests to upload endpoints.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- WPScan advisory wpscan.com
- VulDB CVE-2026-121497 vuldb.com
- OffSeq Radar threat entry radar.offseq.com
- OpenCVE CVE-2026-121497 app.opencve.io
- WordPress.org AskAny plugin page wordpress.org
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 11 Nov 2026, 13:21.
Original description (NVD)
The AskAny WordPress plugin before 2.2.0 does not validate the extension or content of files attached to chat messages, trusting the browser-supplied file type instead, which allows unauthenticated users to upload PHP files and execute arbitrary code when visitor attachments are enabled.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
Affected? We can help.
We check whether your systems are affected, install updates and close the gap – continuously with the System Health Checker if you wish.