CVE-2020-36666

CVE-2020-36666 is a high-severity vulnerability in E-plugins Directory Pro with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

The directory-pro WordPress plugin before 1.9.5, final-user-wp-frontend-user-profiles WordPress plugin before 1.2.2, producer-retailer WordPress plugin through TODO, photographer-directory WordPress plugin before 1.0.9, real-estate-pro WordPress plugin before 1.7.1, institutions-directory WordPress plugin before 1.3.1, lawyer-directory WordPress plugin before 1.2.9, doctor-listing WordPress plugin before 1.3.6, Hotel Listing WordPress plugin before 1.3.7, fitness-trainer WordPress plugin before 1.4.1, wp-membership WordPress plugin before 1.5.7, sold by the same developer (e-plugins), do not implementing any security measures in some AJAX calls. For example in the file plugin.php, the function iv_directories_update_profile_setting() uses update_user_meta with any data provided by the ajax call, which can be used to give the logged in user admin capabilities. Since the plugins allow user registration via a custom form (even if the blog does not allow users to register) it makes any site using it vulnerable.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-36666?
The directory-pro WordPress plugin before 1.9.5, final-user-wp-frontend-user-profiles WordPress plugin before 1.2.2, producer-retailer WordPress plugin through TODO, photographer-directory WordPress plugin before 1.0.9, real-estate-pro WordPress plugin before 1.7.1, institutions-directory WordPress plugin before 1.3.1, lawyer-directory WordPress plugin before 1.2.9, doctor-listing WordPress plugin before 1.3.6, Hotel Listing WordPress plugin before 1.3.7, fitness-trainer WordPress plugin before 1.4.1, wp-membership WordPress plugin before 1.5.7, sold by the same developer (e-plugins), do not implementing any security measures in some AJAX calls. For example in the file plugin.php, the function iv_directories_update_profile_setting() uses update_user_meta with any data provided by the ajax call, which can be used to give the logged in user admin capabilities. Since the plugins allow user registration via a custom form (even if the blog does not allow users to register) it makes any site using it vulnerable.
How severe is CVE-2020-36666?
CVE-2020-36666 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-36666 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (56th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-36666?
CVE-2020-36666 primarily affects E-plugins Directory Pro. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-36666?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-36666 published?
CVE-2020-36666 was published on 2023-03-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (11)