CVE-2020-36708
Published: April 11, 2026
Official Description
The following themes for WordPress are vulnerable to Function Injections in versions up to and including Shapely <= 1.2.7, NewsMag <= 2.4.1, Activello <= 1.4.0, Illdy <= 2.1.4, Allegiant <= 1.2.2, Newspaper X <= 1.3.1, Pixova Lite <= 2.0.5, Brilliance <= 1.2.7, MedZone Lite <= 1.2.4, Regina Lite <= 2.0.4, Transcend <= 1.1.8, Affluent <= 1.1.0, Bonkers <= 1.0.4, Antreas <= 1.0.2, Sparkling <= 2.4.8, and NatureMag Lite <= 1.0.4. This is due to epsilon_framework_ajax_action. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to call functions and achieve remote code execution.
Risk Analysis
Several WordPress themes, including Shapely, NewsMag, Activello, and others, are vulnerable to Function Injections via the 'epsilon_framework_ajax_action' function. This allows unauthenticated attackers to call arbitrary functions and achieve remote code execution. The confirmed exploitation in the wild makes this a critical vulnerability.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Unauthenticated attackers can remotely exploit this flaw to achieve remote code execution.
Upgrade affected themes to their patched versions: Shapely > 1.2.7, NewsMag > 2.4.1, Activello > 1.4.0, Illdy > 2.1.4, Allegiant > 1.2.2, Newspaper X > 1.3.1, Pixova Lite > 2.0.5, Brilliance > 1.2.7, MedZone Lite > 1.2.4, Regina Lite > 2.0.4, Transcend > 1.1.8, Affluent > 1.1.0, Bonkers > 1.0.4, Antreas > 1.0.2, Sparkling > 2.4.8, and NatureMag Lite > 1.0.4. Ensure all themes and plugins are regularly updated.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-36708 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2020-36708 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2020-36708 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1