CVE-2020-8242Network attack vector

SQL injection via unsanitized member creation input

Published Feb 18, 2022 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

SQL injection in ExpressionEngine 5.4.0 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to manipulate queries during control-panel member creation. The member-creation path incorporates unsanitized user input into an SQL query; public records do not identify the exact parameter or function. Member-creation or administrative control-panel access is required, and successful injection exposes database confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

CVSS severity7.2
High
EPSS probability0.93%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

SQL injection in ExpressionEngine 5.4.0 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to manipulate queries during control-panel member creation. The member-creation path incorporates unsanitized user input into an SQL query; public records do not identify the exact parameter or function. Member-creation or administrative control-panel access is required, and successful injection exposes database confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The record

CVE
CVE-2020-8242
Published
Feb 18, 2022
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Packet Tide, LLC
Product
ExpressionEngine
Classifications
CWE-89, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
admin

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Feb 18, 2022CVE 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?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=<= 5.4.0

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesadmin

What is affected?

Packet Tide, LLC · ExpressionEngineversion=<= 5.4.0

Published CVSS scores

7.2NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
6.5NIST NVDAV: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 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesadmin
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-89Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

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Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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