CVE-2020-25213
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitThe 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.
Published Sep 9, 2020 · Updated Nov 7, 2025 · Also known as dab7e451-f2ea-4f41-8e38-a2a983ccb18b
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-25213 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting File Manager (Filemanagerpro), wp-file-manager (wordpress-plugin).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 9, 2020. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 97% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including File Manager 6.9, wp-file-manager 6.9.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
97%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2020-25213 brief as a PDF
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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.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Sep 9, 2020 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| File ManagerFilemanagerpro | See advisory | 6.9 |
| wp-file-managerwordpress-plugin | See advisory | 6.9 |
Patched Releases
File Manager
6.9
wp-file-manager
6.9
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 9, 2020
Added to Industry KEV feed
Sep 9, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Nov 7, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
References
- advisoryhttps://hotforsecurity.bitdefender.com/blog/wordpress-websites-attacked-via-file-manager-plugin-vulnerability-24048.html
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/dab7e451-f2ea-4f41-8e38-a2a983ccb18b?source=api-prod
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/dab7e451-f2ea-4f41-8e38-a2a983ccb18b?source=api-scan
- patchhttps://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2373068
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/160003/WordPress-File-Manager-6.8-Remote-Code-Execution.html
FAQ
Common Questions.
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.
Affected: File Manager (Filemanagerpro); wp-file-manager (wordpress-plugin). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Sep 9, 2020.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including File Manager 6.9, wp-file-manager 6.9.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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