CVE-2020-35948Public exploitNetwork attack vector

Authenticated code execution via unprotected AJAX file write

Published Jan 1, 2021 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

Incorrect authorization in XCloner Backup and Restore 4.2.1 through 4.2.12 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code. The write_file_action handler in xcloner_restore.php exposes an AJAX file-write operation without a capability check, permitting attacker-chosen content to overwrite wp-config.php or PHP files. Subscriber-level WordPress access is sufficient; successful PHP-file writes execute code in the site server's context, while the same endpoint can expose database backups.

CVSS severity8.8
High
EPSS probability24.94%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Incorrect authorization in XCloner Backup and Restore 4.2.1 through 4.2.12 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code. The write_file_action handler in xcloner_restore.php exposes an AJAX file-write operation without a capability check, permitting attacker-chosen content to overwrite wp-config.php or PHP files. Subscriber-level WordPress access is sufficient; successful PHP-file writes execute code in the site server's context, while the same endpoint can expose database backups.

The record

CVE
CVE-2020-35948
Published
Jan 1, 2021
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-863, T1505.003
Attack vector
network
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jan 1, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 4, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

8.8WordfenceCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
8.8NIST National Vulnerability DatabaseCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.0NIST National Vulnerability DatabaseAV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:P/I:P/A:P

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-863Incorrect Authorization
T1505.003Server Software Component: Web Shell

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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