CVE-2021-39201

What it is

WordPress is a free and open-source content management system written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database. ### Impact The issue allows an authenticated but low-privileged user (like contributor/author) to execute XSS in the editor. This bypasses the restrictions imposed on users who do not have the permission to post `unfiltered_html`. ### Patches This has been patched in WordPress 5.8, and will be pushed to older versions via minor releases (automatic updates). It's strongly recommended that you keep auto-updates enabled to receive the fix. ### References https://wordpress.org/news/category/releases/ https://hackerone.com/reports/1142140 ### For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: * Open an issue in [HackerOne](https://hackerone.com/wordpress)

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

1.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-09-09 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:03 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.6 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-09-09 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:03 UTC

Exploit probability

1.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-79 · Cross-site scripting

Record status

Modified

Affected

• WordPress < 5.8
• Debian Linux 10.0
• Debian Linux 11.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.6

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

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-2021-39201.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-39201. 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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