CVE-2020-37227: HS Brand Logo Slider Unrestricted File Upload Leads to RCE
The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) detailed CVE-2020-37227, an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in HS Brand Logo Slider version 2.1. This flaw allows authenticated users to bypass client-side file extension validation. Attackers can intercept upload requests, specifically to the logoupload parameter within the admin interface, and rename files to executable extensions like .php.
This manipulation enables remote code execution (RCE) on the affected system. The NVD assigns a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH) to this vulnerability, highlighting its critical impact. The vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates that it’s network-exploitable, low complexity, requires low privileges, no user interaction, and provides high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
While the NVD did not specify affected products beyond ‘HS Brand Logo Slider 2.1’, the underlying CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type) is a common and dangerous vulnerability. Defenders should be acutely aware that client-side validation alone is never sufficient for security. Server-side validation is non-negotiable for any file upload functionality.
What This Means For You
- If your organization uses HS Brand Logo Slider 2.1 or similar plugins, immediately audit all file upload functionalities. Ensure server-side validation is in place to prevent arbitrary file uploads, especially for executable extensions. This is a direct path to RCE for any authenticated user, which can quickly escalate to full system compromise.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
1 rule · 6 SIEM formats1 detection rule auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2020-37227: HS Brand Logo Slider Unrestricted File Upload to PHP
title: CVE-2020-37227: HS Brand Logo Slider Unrestricted File Upload to PHP
id: scw-2026-05-16-ai-1
status: experimental
level: critical
description: |
Detects the specific unrestricted file upload vulnerability in HS Brand Logo Slider (CVE-2020-37227) by looking for POST requests to the upload endpoint with a PHP extension in the URI, often initiated from the admin interface.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-16
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2020-37227/
tags:
- attack.initial_access
- attack.t1190
logsource:
category: webserver
detection:
selection:
cs-uri|contains:
- '/wp-content/plugins/hs-brand-logo-slider/upload.php'
cs-method|exact:
- 'POST'
sc-status|exact:
- '200'
selection_indicators:
uri|contains:
- '.php'
referer|contains:
- '/wp-admin/'
condition: selection AND selection_indicators
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2020-37227 | RCE | HS Brand Logo Slider plugin version 2.1 |
| CVE-2020-37227 | Unrestricted File Upload | Client-side file extension validation bypass |
| CVE-2020-37227 | RCE | Vulnerable parameter: logoupload in admin interface |
| CVE-2020-37227 | RCE | File rename to .php extension for code execution |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 16, 2026 at 19:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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