Authenticated code execution via unvalidated ZIP extraction
Published Jun 7, 2023 · Updated Apr 8, 2026
Arbitrary file upload in King-Theme KingComposer 2.9.3 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute PHP code on the server. The process_bulk_action upload path extracts every file from an extension ZIP into wp-content/uploads/kc_extensions without validating file types. An author-level account and a leaked WordPress nonce are required; an extracted PHP file can then be requested remotely for code execution.
Summary
What happened
Arbitrary file upload in King-Theme KingComposer 2.9.3 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute PHP code on the server. The process_bulk_action upload path extracts every file from an extension ZIP into wp-content/uploads/kc_extensions without validating file types. An author-level account and a leaked WordPress nonce are required; an extracted PHP file can then be requested remotely for code execution.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2020-36701
- Published
- Jun 7, 2023
- Updated
- Apr 8, 2026
- Vendor
- King-Theme
- Product
- KingComposer
- Classifications
- CWE-434, T1105
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jun 7, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 8, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <=2.9.3
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- NinTechNet KingComposer PHP ZIP upload procedurefunctional · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
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