SecuriTricks - CVE-2020-36854

Description

The Async JavaScript plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in versions up to, and including, 2.19.07.14. This is due to missing authorization checks on the aj_steps AJAX aciton along with a lack on sanitization on the settings saved via the function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber level permissions and above to inject malicious web scripts into a page that execute whenever a user accesses that page.

Product(s) Impacted

Vendor	Product	Versions
Wordpress	Async Java Script	2.19.07.14, *

Weaknesses

Common security weaknesses mapped to this vulnerability.

CWE-79

Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')

The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users.

*CPE(s)

Affected systems and software identified for this CVE.

Type	Vendor	Product	Version	Update	Edition	Language	Software Edition	Target Software	Target Hardware	Other Information
a	wordpress	async_java_script	2.19.07.14	/	/	/	/	wordpress	/	/
a	wordpress	async_java_script	/	/	/	/	/	wordpress	/	/

References

https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/02/site-takeover-campaign-exploits-multiple-zero-day-vulnerabilities/

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/b133888c-7673-4796-917c-486bff1b6b12?source=cve

CVSS Score

6.4 / 10

CVSS Data - 3.1

Attack Vector: NETWORK
Attack Complexity: LOW
Privileges Required: LOW
Scope: CHANGED
Confidentiality Impact: LOW
Integrity Impact: LOW
Availability Impact: NONE

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

View Vector String

Timeline

Published: Oct. 18, 2025, 4:16 a.m.
Last Modified: Oct. 18, 2025, 4:16 a.m.

Status : Received

CVE has been recently published to the CVE List and has been received by the NVD.

More info

Source

security@wordfence.com

CVE-2020-36854