What the vulnerability does
01Description
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).
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
WordPress 5.4.0 and 5.4.1 contain an authentication bypass in the REST API that allows a low-privileged user to modify content they should not have access to. The vulnerability requires network access and high attack complexity. The scope is changed, meaning the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component itself.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
A low-privileged user can modify content outside their normal permissions via the REST API.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Unauthorized content modification by low-privilege users; integrity of published posts and pages at risk.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have low-level WordPress user account; no user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
June 12, 2020
CVE published
August 4, 2024
Record updated
