CVE-2020-35239: A vulnerability exists in CakePHP versions 4.0.x through 4.1.3

This month

HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2020-35239 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting cakephp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A vulnerability exists in CakePHP versions 4.0.x through 4.1.3. The CsrfProtectionMiddleware component allows method override parameters to bypass CSRF checks by changing the HTTP request method to an arbitrary string that is not in the list of request methods that CakePHP checks. Additionally, the route middleware does not verify that this overriden method (which can be an arbitrary string) is actually an HTTP method.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 51%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-352
Published	2021-01-26
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: cakephp

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-01-26 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cakephp cakephp UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.0.0 and <= 4.1.3

Fixed in: newer than 4.1.3

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy cakephp || rpm -q cakephp || cakephp --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 4.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade cakephp

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade cakephp

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison cakephp sudo apt install cakephp=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold cakephp

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list cakephp sudo dnf downgrade cakephp-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add cakephp

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-2020-35239?

cakephp: upgrade to newer than 4.1.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-35239 being exploited?

CVE-2020-35239 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-2020-35239 affect?

CVE-2020-35239 affects cakephp. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). A vulnerability exists in CakePHP versions 4.0.x through 4.1.3. The CsrfProtectionMiddleware component allows method override parameters to bypass CSRF checks by changing the HTTP request method to an arbitrary string that is not in the lis

How urgent is CVE-2020-35239?

Priority 43/100. High severity

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References

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