CVE-2020-36708 in Shapely
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2023
The following themes for WordPress are vulnerable to Function Injections in versions up to and including Shapely <= 1.2.7, NewsMag <= 2.4.1, Activello <= 1.4.0, Illdy <= 2.1.4, Allegiant <= 1.2.2, Newspaper X <= 1.3.1, Pixova Lite <= 2.0.5, Brilliance <= 1.2.7, MedZone Lite <= 1.2.4, Regina Lite <= 2.0.4, Transcend <= 1.1.8, Affluent <= 1.1.0, Bonkers <= 1.0.4, Antreas <= 1.0.2, Sparkling <= 2.4.8, and NatureMag Lite <= 1.0.4. This is due to epsilon_framework_ajax_action. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to call functions and achieve remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36708 represents a critical function injection flaw affecting multiple popular WordPress themes, specifically targeting versions of Shapely through NatureMag Lite that are vulnerable through their epsilon_framework_ajax_action implementation. This vulnerability exists within the core theme functionality that handles asynchronous ajax requests, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ajax handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP functions through crafted requests. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire WordPress installations, as attackers can leverage the injected functions to perform actions such as file manipulation, database access, or even establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects a significant number of WordPress themes that utilize the epsilon framework for their ajax functionality, making it particularly widespread across the WordPress ecosystem. The absence of authentication requirements means that any visitor to a compromised website can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any credentials or privileged access. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, specifically indicating a dangerous use of dynamic code generation without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates through the WordPress ajax system, which is commonly used for interactive website features, making it an attractive target for exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in themes that are widely deployed across WordPress installations increases the potential attack surface significantly. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting, as it enables remote code execution through script injection. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious ajax requests that target the vulnerable epsilon_framework_ajax_action endpoint, potentially allowing attackers to execute functions such as system commands, file operations, or database queries. The affected themes are particularly vulnerable because they implement ajax functionality without proper validation of user input, creating a direct pathway for code injection attacks. Organizations running these vulnerable themes face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited automatically by bots scanning for known vulnerable patterns. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to modify website content, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against network infrastructure. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability stems from improper handling of ajax parameters within the epsilon framework, where user-provided data is directly passed to function execution without adequate sanitization or validation. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected website, regardless of their authorization level. The scope of impact includes not only the immediate compromise of the WordPress installation but also potential data exfiltration, defacement, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in a high-risk category according to industry standards and threat modeling frameworks. Organizations should immediately assess their WordPress installations for affected themes and implement mitigation strategies. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal technical skill, making it attractive to automated attack tools and less sophisticated threat actors. The widespread adoption of these themes across WordPress sites means that the potential for mass exploitation is significant, particularly when combined with automated scanning tools that can identify vulnerable installations. The security implications extend beyond immediate compromise to include potential long-term persistence mechanisms that attackers can establish through the executed code. Remediation efforts should focus on updating to patched versions of the affected themes, implementing proper input validation, and monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in WordPress theme development, particularly around handling user input in ajax operations and ensuring that dynamic code execution is properly controlled. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and other protective measures to detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security assessments of WordPress themes and plugins, as even widely used and seemingly legitimate components can contain dangerous code injection flaws.