CVE-2020-35948Xcloner Missing Authorization
It gave authenticated attackers the ability to modify arbitrary files, including PHP files.
Published Jan 1, 2021 · Updated Jul 8, 2026 · Also known as 1c703856-9519-4181-9312-dcf862840bd9, WORDFENCE-1c703856-9519-4181-9312-dcf862840bd9
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-35948 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Xcloner, xcloner-backup-and-restore (wordpress-plugin).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV since Sep 22, 2020. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 25% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Xcloner 4.2.13, xcloner-backup-and-restore 4.2.153.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Scores
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
25%
Higher than 97.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
42/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Sep 22, 2020
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
2
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
2
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryhttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163336/WordPress-XCloner-4.2.12-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/1c703856-9519-4181-9312-dcf862840bd9?source=api-prod
- advisoryhttps://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/1c703856-9519-4181-9312-dcf862840bd9?source=api-scan
Description
An issue was discovered in the XCloner Backup and Restore plugin before 4.2.13 for WordPress. It gave authenticated attackers the ability to modify arbitrary files, including PHP files. Doing so would allow an attacker to achieve remote code execution. The xcloner_restore.php write_file_action could overwrite wp-config.php, for example. Alternatively, an attacker could create an exploit chain to obtain a database dump.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRCL KEV | Sep 22, 2020 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| XclonerXcloner | See advisory | 4.2.13 |
| xcloner-backup-and-restorewordpress-plugin | >= 4.2.1 | 4.2.153 |
Patched Releases
Xcloner
4.2.13
xcloner-backup-and-restore
4.2.153
Timeline
Added to CIRCL KEV
Sep 22, 2020
Publicly disclosed
Jan 1, 2021
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-862 Missing Authorization
- CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization
References
- advisorypacketstormsecurity.com · WordPress-XCloner-4.2.12-Remote-Code-Execution.…
- advisorywordfence.com · 1c703856-9519-4181-9312-dcf862840bd9
- advisorywordfence.com · 1c703856-9519-4181-9312-dcf862840bd9
- exploitgithub.com · CVE-2020-35948
- exploitwpscan.com · 10412
FAQ
Common Questions.
An issue was discovered in the XCloner Backup and Restore plugin before 4.2.13 for WordPress.
Affected: Xcloner; xcloner-backup-and-restore (wordpress-plugin) versions >= 4.2.1. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CIRCL KEV since Sep 22, 2020.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Xcloner 4.2.13, xcloner-backup-and-restore 4.2.153.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2020-35948 On Your Attack Surface?
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