# CVE-2023-4521: Import XML and RSS Feeds < 2.1.5 - Unauthenticated RCE

> Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary code via a web shell left in the Import XML and RSS Feeds WordPress plugin.

- **Severity:** Critical 9.8 (`CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H`)
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Over the internet
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** No
- **Published:** 25 Sep 2023
- **Updated:** 23 Apr 2025
- **Also known as:** GHSA-2j3g-p2x2-c94q

## What is CVE-2023-4521?

CVE-2023-4521 is a critical code injection vulnerability in Unknown Import XML and RSS Feeds, published on 25 Sep 2023. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

### Official description

The Import XML and RSS Feeds WordPress plugin before 2.1.5 contains a web shell, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform RCE. The plugin/vendor was not compromised and the files are the result of running a PoC for a previously reported issue (https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/d4220025-2272-4d5f-9703-4b2ac4a51c42) and not deleting the created files when releasing the new version.

## Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-4521?

It affects 1 product.


Products: Mooveagency Import Xml and Rss Feeds.

## How do I fix CVE-2023-4521?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-4521 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

## Is CVE-2023-4521 being exploited?

It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2023-4521 exists.

Public exploit code:

- Import XML and RSS Feeds < 2.1.5 - Unauthenticated RCE (nuclei): http/cves/2023/CVE-2023-4521.yaml

## Other vulnerabilities in Unknown Import XML and RSS Feeds

- [CVE-2020-24148](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2020-24148/): Server-side request forgery in n/a (critical 9.1)
- [CVE-2023-4300](https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2023-4300/): Import XML and RSS Feeds < 2.1.4 - Admin+ Arbitrary File Upload (high 7.2)

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for CVE-2023-4521 and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: CVE-2023-4521 is a critical code injection vulnerability in Unknown Import XML and RSS Feeds, published on 25 Sep 2023. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Exploitation: It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2023-4521 exists.

Affected product: Unknown Import XML and RSS Feeds. No package-level version data is available, so check the vendor advisory linked from the reference page.

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2023-4521/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2023-4521/index.md)
```

## Sources

- CVE record: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2023-4521
- NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4521
- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/CVE-2023-4521

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/CVE-2023-4521/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.