CVE-2020-25911: A XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability was discovered in the modRestServiceRequest component in MODX CMS 2.

This week

CRITICAL 9.1REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2020-25911 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) affecting modx revolution. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability was discovered in the modRestServiceRequest component in MODX CMS 2.7.3 which can lead to an information disclosure or denial of service (DOS).

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.4% (top 16%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-611
Published	2021-10-31
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: modx

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-10-31 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:07 UTCUpdated Record last modified

modx modx revolution DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.7.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy modx-revolution || rpm -q modx-revolution || modx-revolution --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison modx-revolution sudo apt install modx-revolution=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.3> sudo apt-mark hold modx-revolution

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list modx-revolution sudo dnf downgrade modx-revolution-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.3> sudo dnf versionlock add modx-revolution

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2020-25911?

modx revolution: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-25911 being exploited?

CVE-2020-25911 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2020-25911 affect?

CVE-2020-25911 affects modx revolution. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). A XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability was discovered in the modRestServiceRequest component in MODX CMS 2.7.3 which can lead to an information disclosure or denial of service (DOS).

How urgent is CVE-2020-25911?

Priority 63/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-1010123 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE MODX Revolution Gallery 1.7.0 is affected by: CWE-434: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
CVE-2018-20758 MEDIUM 5.4 UPGRADE MODX Revolution through v2.7.0-pl allows XSS via User Settings such as Description.
CVE-2018-20757 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE MODX Revolution through v2.7.0-pl allows XSS via an extended user field such as Container name or Attribute na
CVE-2018-20756 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE MODX Revolution through v2.7.0-pl allows XSS via a document resource (such as pagetitle), which is mishandled
CVE-2018-20755 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE MODX Revolution through v2.7.0-pl allows XSS via the User Photo field.

References

← Back to latest CVEs