CVE-2020-36837
📋 TL;DR
The ThemeGrill Demo Importer WordPress plugin versions 1.3.4 through 1.6.1 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to reset the WordPress database. If successful and a user named 'admin' exists, the attacker automatically gains administrator privileges. This affects all WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThemeGrill Demo Importer WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete site takeover: attacker resets database, gains admin access, and can install backdoors, deface site, or steal sensitive data.
Likely Case
Site compromise leading to data loss, malware injection, or unauthorized administrative access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if strong access controls, regular backups, and monitoring prevent successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is trivial once authenticated. Public proof-of-concept code exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.6.2
Vendor Advisory: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/themegrill/themegrill-demo-importer/master/CHANGELOG.txt
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins. 3. Find ThemeGrill Demo Importer. 4. Click 'Update Now' to version 1.6.2 or later. 5. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate themegrill-demo-importer
Remove Plugin Files
linuxCompletely remove plugin files if not needed.
rm -rf wp-content/plugins/themegrill-demo-importer/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to WordPress admin interface using IP whitelisting or web application firewall rules.
- Implement strong authentication controls and monitor for suspicious database reset activities.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > ThemeGrill Demo Importer version. If version is between 1.3.4 and 1.6.1 inclusive, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get themegrill-demo-importer --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.6.2 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- WordPress database reset events
- Unauthorized plugin activation/deactivation
- Unexpected admin user login from new IP
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=reset_wizard_actions
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("database reset" OR "reset_wizard_actions")🔗 References
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/themegrill/themegrill-demo-importer/master/CHANGELOG.txt
- https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2020/02/19/1
- https://www.webarxsecurity.com/critical-issue-in-themegrill-demo-importer/
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/8c0dc694-854e-4f96-8c2d-7251c41a3ee9?source=cve
