How severe is CVE-2020-36698?

CVE-2020-36698 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-2020-36698 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (67th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-36698?

CVE-2020-36698 affects Cleantalk Security & Malware Scan. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-36698?

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-2020-36698 published?

CVE-2020-36698 was published on 2023-10-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-36698

CVE-2020-36698 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cleantalk Security & Malware Scan 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. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-862.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (67th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-862
Affected product: Cleantalk Security & Malware Scan
Published: 2023-10-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The Security & Malware scan by CleanTalk plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized user interaction in versions up to, and including, 2.50. This is due to missing capability checks on several AJAX actions and nonce disclosure in the source page of the administrative dashboard. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to call functions and delete and/or upload files.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-36698?: The Security & Malware scan by CleanTalk plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized user interaction in versions up to, and including, 2.50. This is due to missing capability checks on several AJAX actions and nonce disclosure in the source page of the administrative dashboard. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to call functions and delete and/or upload files.
How severe is CVE-2020-36698?: CVE-2020-36698 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-2020-36698 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (67th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-36698?: CVE-2020-36698 affects Cleantalk Security & Malware Scan. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-36698?: 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-2020-36698 published?: CVE-2020-36698 was published on 2023-10-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:cleantalk:security_\&_malware_scan:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*

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