CVE-2020-4050

What it is

In affected versions of WordPress, misuse of the `set-screen-option` filter's return value allows arbitrary user meta fields to be saved. It does require an admin to install a plugin that would misuse the filter. Once installed, it can be leveraged by low privileged users. This has been patched in version 5.4.2, along with all the previously affected versions via a minor release (5.3.4, 5.2.7, 5.1.6, 5.0.10, 4.9.15, 4.8.14, 4.7.18, 4.6.19, 4.5.22, 4.4.23, 4.3.24, 4.2.28, 4.1.31, 4.0.31, 3.9.32, 3.8.34, 3.7.34).

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

1.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-06-12 16:15 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: 1.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 3.5 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-06-12 16:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:19 UTC

Exploit probability

1.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-288

Record status

Modified

Affected

• WordPress < 3.7.34
• WordPress < 3.8.34
• WordPress < 3.9.32
• WordPress < 4.0.31
• WordPress < 4.1.31
• WordPress < 4.2.28
• WordPress < 4.3.24
• WordPress < 4.4.23

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 3.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

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-2020-4050.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-4050. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge