CVE-2023-53980: ProjectSend r1605 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to upload malicious fil

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-53980 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting projectsend. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ProjectSend r1605 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to upload malicious files by manipulating file extensions. Attackers can upload shell scripts with disguised extensions through the upload.process.php endpoint to execute arbitrary commands on the server.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
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	0.9% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-434
Published	2025-12-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: projectsend

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-12-22 22:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

projectsend projectsend DOWNGRADE

Affected: r1605

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before r1605

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before r1605 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison projectsend sudo apt install projectsend=<VERSION_BEFORE_r1605> sudo apt-mark hold projectsend

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

dnf --showduplicates list projectsend sudo dnf downgrade projectsend-<VERSION_BEFORE_r1605> sudo dnf versionlock add projectsend

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.

Exact fixes by distribution

A distro patch exists: prefer upgrading over downgrading.

Fedora 46 · amule · FIXED · 3.2.0-1.fc46 · FEDORA-2026-4feb2647b0 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-4feb2647b0

Fedora ELN · mysql9.7 · FIXED · 9.7.4-3.eln159 · FEDORA-2026-ea1c50e49b · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-ea1c50e49b

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: www.exploit-db.com/exploits/51238

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-2023-53980?

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

Is CVE-2023-53980 being exploited?

CVE-2023-53980 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-2023-53980 affect?

CVE-2023-53980 affects projectsend. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). ProjectSend r1605 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows attackers to upload malicious files by manipulating file extensions. Attackers can upload shell scripts with disguised extensions through the upload.process.php en

How urgent is CVE-2023-53980?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-11680 CRITICAL 9.8 EXPLOITED UPGRADE ProjectSend Improper Authentication Vulnerability
CVE-2024-7659 LOW 3.7 UPGRADE A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in projectsend up to r1605
CVE-2024-7658 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in projectsend up to r1605
CVE-2023-53930 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE ProjectSend r1605 contains an insecure direct object reference vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attac
CVE-2023-53906 MEDIUM 4.8 DOWNGRADE projectSend r1605 contains a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows authenticated administrator

References

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