CVE-2020-36849: The AIT CSV import/export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file typ

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-36849?

csv import \/ export: upgrade to newer than 3.0.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-36849 being exploited?

CVE-2020-36849 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2020-36849 affect?

CVE-2020-36849 affects csv import \/ export. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The AIT CSV import/export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the /wp-content/plugins/ait-csv-import-export/admin/upload-handler.php file in versions up to, and including, 3.0.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2020-36849?

Priority 71/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-36849 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting csv import \/ export. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The AIT CSV import/export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the /wp-content/plugins/ait-csv-import-export/admin/upload-handler.php file in versions up to, and including, 3.0.3. This makes it possible for unauthorized attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server which may make remote code execution possible.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	8.0% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-434
Published	2025-07-12
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Wordfence · Vendor: ait-themes

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-07-12 12:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ait-themes csv import \/ export UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.0.3

Fixed in: newer than 3.0.3

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy csv-import--export || rpm -q csv-import--export || csv-import--export --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.0.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade csv-import--export

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade csv-import--export

Note

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

Exact fixes by distribution

Fedora 46 · R · FIXED · 4.6.2-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-1dd919a262 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-1dd919a262

Fedora ELN · perl-Mail-AuthenticationResults · FIXED · 2.20261029-1.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-a2c11d7da6 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-a2c11d7da6

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Write-up: wpscan.com/vulnerability/36e699a4-91f2-426d-ba14-26036fbfeaea
Metasploit: WordPress AIT CSV Import Export Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution

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-2020-36849?

csv import \/ export: upgrade to newer than 3.0.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-36849 being exploited?

CVE-2020-36849 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-2020-36849 affect?

CVE-2020-36849 affects csv import \/ export. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The AIT CSV import/export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the /wp-content/plugins/ait-csv-import-export/admin/upload-handler.php file in versions up to, and including, 3.0.

How urgent is CVE-2020-36849?

Priority 71/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities

References

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