CVE-2020-8644
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitPlaySMS before 1.4.3 does not sanitize inputs from a malicious string.
Published Feb 5, 2020 · Updated Jul 8, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2020-8644 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Playsms.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Playsms 1.4.3.
- 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)
87%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
PlaySMS before 1.4.3 does not sanitize inputs from a malicious string.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | 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
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| PlaysmsPlaysms | See advisory | 1.4.3 |
Patched Releases
Playsms
1.4.3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 5, 2020
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Jul 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://forum.playsms.org/t/playsms-1-4-3-has-been-released/2704
- advisoryhttps://playsms.org/2020/02/05/playsms-1-4-3-has-been-released/
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/157106/PlaySMS-index.php-Unauthenticated-Template-Injection-Code-Execution.html
- exploitMSF playsms_template_injection.rb
- exploithttps://research.nccgroup.com/2020/02/11/technical-advisory-playsms-pre-authentication-remote-code-execution-cve-2020-8644/
FAQ
Common Questions.
PlaySMS before 1.4.3 does not sanitize inputs from a malicious string.
Affected: Playsms. 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 Nov 3, 2021.
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 Playsms 1.4.3.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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