What is the CVSS score of CVE-2020-36847?

CVE-2020-36847 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 (Critical). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 86.1%.

Which versions of PHP are affected by CVE-2020-36847?

A critical vulnerability in the Simple-File-List WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected servers.. A patch is available.

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2020-36847?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2020-36847. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 86.1%.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2020-36847?

Within 24 hours: Identify all WordPress installations using Simple-File-List plugin and document current versions; disable the plugin immediately if upgrade is not immediately feasible. Within 7 days: Upgrade to the latest patched version (4.2.3 or later) across all affected WordPress instances. Within 30 days: Conduct security audit of affected systems for indicators of compromise and review access logs for exploitation attempts.

PHP CVE-2020-36847

EUVD-2020-30797 CRITICAL

Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type (CWE-434)

2025-07-12 security@wordfence.com

PHP WordPress RCE Simple File List

9.8

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

9.8 CRITICAL

AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

EUVD ID Assigned

Mar 16, 2026 - 08:56 euvd

EUVD-2020-30797

Analysis Generated

Mar 16, 2026 - 08:56 vuln.today

Patch released

Mar 16, 2026 - 08:56 nvd

Patch available

PoC Detected

Jul 29, 2025 - 20:37 vuln.today

Public exploit code

CVE Published

Jul 12, 2025 - 10:15 nvd

CRITICAL 9.8

DescriptionCVE.org

The Simple-File-List Plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in versions up to, and including, 4.2.2 via the rename function which can be used to rename uploaded PHP code with a png extension to use a php extension. This allows unauthenticated attackers to execute code on the server.

AnalysisAI

The Simple File List plugin for WordPress through version 4.2.2 contains an unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability. Attackers can upload PHP files disguised with image extensions and then rename them back to .php using the plugin's built-in rename functionality, bypassing all upload restrictions.

Technical ContextAI

The plugin allows file uploads with extension validation that blocks .php files. However, the rename function is accessible without authentication and performs no extension checks. An attacker uploads a PHP webshell with a .png extension (passing upload validation), then sends a rename request to change the extension from .png to .php. The file is now executable and accessible via the web.

RemediationAI

Update to Simple File List 4.2.3 or later. Configure the web server to deny PHP execution in the plugin's upload directory. Review the upload directory for suspicious PHP files. Add authentication requirements to file management operations.