CVE-2020-35948 – This vulnerability in the XCloner WordPress plu... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2020-35948?

CVE-2020-35948 has a CVSS score of 9.9 (CRITICAL). This vulnerability in the XCloner WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers to modify arbitrary files, including critical PHP files like wp-config.php. This can lead to remote code execution or database compromise. WordPress sites using vulnerable XCloner plugin versions are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in the XCloner WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers to modify arbitrary files, including critical PHP files like wp-config.php. This can lead to remote code execution or database compromise. WordPress sites using vulnerable XCloner plugin versions are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

WordPress XCloner Backup and Restore Plugin

Versions: All versions before 4.2.13

Operating Systems: All

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires authenticated attacker access, but WordPress authentication is often easily obtained.

📦 What is this software?

Xcloner by Xcloner

View all CVEs affecting Xcloner →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete site takeover through remote code execution, database compromise, and potential lateral movement to other systems.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized file modification leading to backdoor installation, data theft, or site defacement.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if proper access controls, file permissions, and monitoring are in place.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: CONFIRMED

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: LOW

Multiple public exploit scripts available, requires authenticated WordPress user access.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 4.2.13 and later

Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/10412

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins. 3. Update XCloner Backup and Restore plugin to version 4.2.13 or higher. 4. Verify update completed successfully.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable vulnerable plugin

all

Temporarily disable XCloner plugin until patched

wp plugin deactivate xcloner-backup-and-restore

Restrict file permissions

linux

Set strict permissions on wp-config.php and other critical files

chmod 400 wp-config.php
chown root:root wp-config.php

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Remove XCloner plugin completely and use alternative backup solution
Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious file modification attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check WordPress admin panel for XCloner plugin version. If version is below 4.2.13, system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

wp plugin get xcloner-backup-and-restore --field=version

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm XCloner plugin version is 4.2.13 or higher in WordPress admin panel.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unauthorized file modification attempts in wp-content/plugins/xcloner-backup-restore/ logs
Suspicious POST requests to xcloner_restore.php

Network Indicators:

HTTP requests to /wp-content/plugins/xcloner-backup-restore/xcloner_restore.php with file write parameters

SIEM Query:

source="wordpress.logs" AND (uri="/wp-content/plugins/xcloner-backup-restore/xcloner_restore.php" AND method="POST")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-35948

CVSS v3 Score: 9.9 (CRITICAL)

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

CWE: CWE-863

Published: January 1, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163336/WordPress-XCloner-4.2.12-Remote-Code-Execution.html Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://github.com/Hacker5preme/Exploits/tree/main/Wordpress/CVE-2020-35948 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/10412 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/09/critical-vulnerabilities-patched-in-xcloner-backup-and-restore-plugin/ Exploit,Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163336/WordPress-XCloner-4.2.12-Remote-Code-Execution.html Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://github.com/Hacker5preme/Exploits/tree/main/Wordpress/CVE-2020-35948 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/10412 Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/09/critical-vulnerabilities-patched-in-xcloner-backup-and-restore-plugin/ Exploit,Third Party Advisory

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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