CVE-2020-25213

Name: CVE-2020-25213
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-09-09T16:15:12.127+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 97.33%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-25213 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 97.33% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

97.33%

99.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by May 3, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Filemanagerpro	File Manager	< 6.9

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160003/WordPress-File-Manager-6.8-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171650/WordPress-File-Manager-6.9-Shell-Upload.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0dayExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/wordpress-websites-attacked-via-file-manager-plugin-vulnerability-24048.htmlBroken Link, Third Party Advisory
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2373068Patch
https://seravo.com/blog/0-day-vulnerability-in-wp-file-manager/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://wordfence.com/blog/2020/09/700000-wordpress-users-affected-by-zero-day-vulnerability-in-file-manager-plugin/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-file-manager/#developersProduct, Release Notes
https://zdnet.com/article/millions-of-wordpress-sites-are-being-probed-attacked-with-recent-plugin-bug/Press/Media Coverage
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160003/WordPress-File-Manager-6.8-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171650/WordPress-File-Manager-6.9-Shell-Upload.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0dayExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/wordpress-websites-attacked-via-file-manager-plugin-vulnerability-24048.htmlBroken Link, Third Party Advisory
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2373068Patch
https://seravo.com/blog/0-day-vulnerability-in-wp-file-manager/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://wordfence.com/blog/2020/09/700000-wordpress-users-affected-by-zero-day-vulnerability-in-file-manager-plugin/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-file-manager/#developersProduct, Release Notes
https://zdnet.com/article/millions-of-wordpress-sites-are-being-probed-attacked-with-recent-plugin-bug/Press/Media Coverage
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2020-25213US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Sep 9, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-25213?

How severe is CVE-2020-25213?

CVE-2020-25213 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 97.33% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2020-25213?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-25213?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST