CVE-2008-5695
CWE-20Published: December 19, 2008· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
wp-admin/options.php in WordPress MU before 1.3.2, and WordPress 2.3.2 and earlier, does not properly validate requests to update an option, which allows remote authenticated users with manage_options and upload_files capabilities to execute arbitrary code by uploading a PHP script and adding this script's pathname to active_plugins.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2008-5695 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2008-5695. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (14)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-20)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2008-5695 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts