CVE-2020-25213
The File Manager (wp-file-manager) plugin before 6.9 for WordPress allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code because it…
Browse: All 2020 CVEs · All vendors
- CVSS score
- 10.0 Critical
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H- CISA KEV
- Yes — actively exploited (added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2022-05-03)
- Weakness (CWE)
- CWE-434
- Published
- 2020-09-09
- Last modified
- 2026-06-17
- NVD status
- Analyzed
Description
The File Manager (wp-file-manager) plugin before 6.9 for WordPress allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code because it renames an unsafe example elFinder connector file to have the .php extension. This, for example, allows attackers to run the elFinder upload (or mkfile and put) command to write PHP code into the wp-content/plugins/wp-file-manager/lib/files/ directory. This was exploited in the wild in August and September 2020.
Affected products
- filemanagerpro file manager
Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.
Required action (CISA)
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2022-05-03.
How to prioritize this
This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160003/WordPress-File-Manager-6.8-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171650/WordPress-File-Manager-6.9-Shell-Upload.html
- https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0day
- https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/wordpress-websites-attacked-via-file-manager-plugin-vulnerability-24048.html
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2373068
- https://seravo.com/blog/0-day-vulnerability-in-wp-file-manager/
- https://wordfence.com/blog/2020/09/700000-wordpress-users-affected-by-zero-day-vulnerability-in-file-manager-plugin/
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-file-manager/#developers
FAQ
Is CVE-2020-25213 actively exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2020-25213 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2021-11-03, with a federal remediation deadline of 2022-05-03. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-25213?
CVE-2020-25213 has a CVSS base score of 10.0 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Related vulnerabilities
- CVE-2026-87902 — WordPress Core
- CVE-2026-60137 — WordPress Core
- CVE-2026-63030 — WordPress Core
- CVE-2020-11738 — WordPress Snap Creek Duplicator Plugin
- CVE-2019-9978 — WordPress Social Warfare Plugin
- CVE-2026-56291 — Balbooa Forms
Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.
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