CVE-2020-4043

What it is

phpMussel from versions 1.0.0 and less than 1.6.0 has an unserialization vulnerability in PHP's phar wrapper. Uploading a specially crafted file to an affected version allows arbitrary code execution (discovered, tested, and confirmed by myself), so the risk factor should be regarded as very high. Newer phpMussel versions don't use PHP's phar wrapper, and are therefore unaffected. This has been fixed in version 1.6.0.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data tampering.

Exploit odds

2.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2020-06-10 20:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:19 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.6% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.7 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-06-10 20:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:19 UTC

Exploit probability

2.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-502 · Unsafe deserialization

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Phpmussel Project Phpmussel < 1.6.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.7

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

High

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2020-4043.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-4043. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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