CVE-2020-36854
CVE-2020-36854 is a medium-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.4. 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-79.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.4)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (15th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2020-30802
- Weakness: CWE-79
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Async JavaScript plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in versions up to, and including, 2.19.07.14. This is due to missing authorization checks on the aj_steps AJAX aciton along with a lack on sanitization on the settings saved via the function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber level permissions and above to inject malicious web scripts into a page that execute whenever a user accesses that page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2020-36854?
- The Async JavaScript plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in versions up to, and including, 2.19.07.14. This is due to missing authorization checks on the aj_steps AJAX aciton along with a lack on sanitization on the settings saved via the function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber level permissions and above to inject malicious web scripts into a page that execute whenever a user accesses that page.
- How severe is CVE-2020-36854?
- CVE-2020-36854 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.4, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2020-36854 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (15th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2020-36854?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2020-36854 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2020-36854 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2020-30802.
- When was CVE-2020-36854 published?
- CVE-2020-36854 was published on 2025-10-18 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/02/site-takeover-campaign-exploits-multiple-zero-day-vulnerabilities/
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/b133888c-7673-4796-917c-486bff1b6b12?source=cve
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