CVE-2020-25213 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress File Manager Plugin Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2020-25213

The File Manager (wp-file-manager) plugin for WordPress was found to have a critical vulnerability that allowed remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code.

What is CVE-2020-25213?

The vulnerability in the wp-file-manager plugin allowed attackers to upload malicious PHP code by exploiting an unsafe elFinder connector file that was renamed with a .php extension.

The Impact of CVE-2020-25213

Remote attackers could execute arbitrary PHP code on WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin.
The exploit was actively used in attacks during August and September 2020.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-25213

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the wp-file-manager plugin allowed attackers to upload and execute PHP code, compromising the affected WordPress sites.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Affected Versions: All versions prior to 6.9

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could abuse the elFinder upload command to write PHP code into specific directories, leading to remote code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the wp-file-manager plugin if not essential.
Update the plugin to version 6.9 or newer to patch the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update WordPress plugins to prevent security risks.
Implement strong access controls and file upload restrictions on the website.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the wp-file-manager plugin is updated to version 6.9 or above to mitigate the remote code execution vulnerability.