What the vulnerability does
01Description
In affected versions of WordPress, users with low privileges (like contributors and authors) can use the embed block in a certain way to inject unfiltered HTML in the block editor. When affected posts are viewed by a higher privileged user, this could lead to script execution in the editor/wp-admin. 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).
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
WordPress 5.4.0 and 5.4.1 contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability in the block editor. An authenticated user with low privileges can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users viewing the same content. The vulnerability requires user interaction—the victim must view a page containing the attacker's malicious block. The impact is limited to data theft or session hijacking within the site.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject JavaScript that runs in other users' browsers when they view affected content.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Authenticated users can steal session tokens or data from other users viewing their posts or pages.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Authenticated WordPress user with low privileges; victim must view the attacker's malicious block.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
June 12, 2020
CVE published
August 4, 2024
Record updated
