CVE-2013-20002
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code via the Themify framework in the Elemin WordPress theme. Attackers can achieve remote code execution (RCE) without authentication, potentially taking full control of affected WordPress sites. WordPress sites using the Elemin theme with Themify framework versions before 1.2.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Elemin Theme
- Themify Framework
📦 What is this software?
Framework by Themify
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the WordPress site, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal data, install backdoors, deface the site, or pivot to internal networks.
Likely Case
Attackers upload web shells to gain persistent access, deface websites, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server for malicious activities.
If Mitigated
If proper file upload restrictions and web application firewalls are in place, exploitation attempts would be blocked, limiting impact to failed attack attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit code is publicly available and requires no authentication. Attackers can directly upload PHP files to execute arbitrary code.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Themify Framework 1.2.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://themify.me/blog/updated-themify-framework-to-fix-the-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update the Themify framework to version 1.2.2 or later. 2. Update the Elemin theme to the latest version. 3. Verify the file wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php has been updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable file
linuxDelete or rename the vulnerable themify-ajax.php file to prevent exploitation
rm /path/to/wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php
mv /path/to/wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php /path/to/wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php.bak
Restrict file uploads
linuxAdd .htaccess rules to block PHP file execution in the themify directory
echo 'deny from all' > /path/to/wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/.htaccess
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or remove the Elemin theme entirely
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to block file upload attempts to the vulnerable endpoint
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if file wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php exists and examine its contents for insecure file upload codeCheck Version:
grep -r 'themify_version' /path/to/wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/Verify Fix Applied:
Verify Themify framework version is 1.2.2+ and check that themify-ajax.php contains proper file upload validation📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- POST requests to /wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php
- File upload attempts with .php extensions in theme directories
- Unusual PHP file creation in wp-content/themes/elemin/
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to themify-ajax.php endpoint with file upload parameters
- Traffic patterns showing file uploads to theme directories
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/wp-content/themes/elemin/themify/themify-ajax.php" AND method="POST"🔗 References
- https://en.0day.today/exploit/22090
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/124149/WordPress-Elemin-Shell-Upload.html
- https://themify.me/blog/updated-themify-framework-to-fix-the-vulnerability
- https://themify.me/blog/urgent-vulnerability-found-in-themify-framework-please-read
- https://en.0day.today/exploit/22090
- https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/124149/WordPress-Elemin-Shell-Upload.html
- https://themify.me/blog/updated-themify-framework-to-fix-the-vulnerability
- https://themify.me/blog/urgent-vulnerability-found-in-themify-framework-please-read
