CVE-2017-20251: WordPress Insert PHP Plugin < 2.5.1 PHP Code Injection via REST API

Published Jun 9, 2026
·
Updated

WordPress Insert PHP plugin versions before 2.5.1 contain a PHP code injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by injecting malicious shortcodes through the WordPress REST API. Attackers can send POST requests to the wp-json/wp/v2/posts endpoint with crafted content containing insertphp shortcodes to include and execute remote PHP files on the server.

Affected Software

1 affected component
WordPress Insert PHP Plugin<2.5.1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade WordPress Insert PHP plugin to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 2.5.1

Event History

Jun 9, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:48 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:48 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2017-20251?

CVE-2017-20251 has a critical severity rating of 9.8.

2

How do I fix CVE-2017-20251?

To fix CVE-2017-20251, update the WordPress Insert PHP plugin to version 3.3.1 or later.

3

What is the risk associated with CVE-2017-20251?

The risk associated with CVE-2017-20251 is high, with a risk score of 86.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2017-20251?

CVE-2017-20251 affects users of WordPress Insert PHP plugin versions before 3.3.1.

5

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2017-20251?

CVE-2017-20251 is a code injection vulnerability allowing arbitrary PHP code execution.

Contact

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