PHP Code Injection Vulnerability in WordPress Insert PHP Plugin
CVE-2017-20251

9.3CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
Woody Code Snippets
Vendor
CVE Published:
9 June 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2017-20251?

The Insert PHP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to a PHP code injection, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. This vulnerability arises from the plugin's handling of shortcodes through the WordPress REST API, specifically at the wp-json/wp/v2/posts endpoint. Attackers can craft POST requests containing malicious shortcodes, enabling them to remotely include and execute PHP files on the server. It is recommended that users update to version 3.3.1 or later to mitigate this risk.

Affected Version(s)

Woody Code Snippets 0 < 3.3.1

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2017-20251 - Proof of Concept

References

https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41308
exploit
https://fr.wordpress.org/plugins/insert-php/
product
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wordpress-insert-php...
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
9.3
Severity:
CRITICAL
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

sucuri.net @sucurisecurity
.