CVE-2017-20251
CVE-2017-20251 is a critical-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
- CVSS v4: 9.3
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (42nd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2017-18977
- Weakness: CWE-94
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
WordPress Insert PHP plugin versions before 3.3.1 contain a PHP code injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by injecting malicious shortcodes through the WordPress REST API. Attackers can send POST requests to the wp-json/wp/v2/posts endpoint with crafted content containing insert_php shortcodes to include and execute remote PHP files on the server.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2017-20251?
- WordPress Insert PHP plugin versions before 3.3.1 contain a PHP code injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by injecting malicious shortcodes through the WordPress REST API. Attackers can send POST requests to the wp-json/wp/v2/posts endpoint with crafted content containing insert_php shortcodes to include and execute remote PHP files on the server.
- How severe is CVE-2017-20251?
- CVE-2017-20251 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2017-20251 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (42nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2017-20251?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2017-20251 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2017-20251 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2017-18977.
- When was CVE-2017-20251 published?
- CVE-2017-20251 was published on 2026-06-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://fr.wordpress.org/plugins/insert-php/
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41308
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wordpress-insert-php-plugin-php-code-injection-via-rest-api
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- CVE-2026-25470 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in ACPT ACPT (Pro) - Custom Post Types Plugin…
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