CVSS base score
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N
What the vulnerability does
Wordpress is an open source CMS. A user with the ability to upload files (like an Author) can exploit an XML parsing issue in the Media Library leading to XXE attacks. This requires WordPress installation to be using PHP 8. Access to internal files is possible in a successful XXE attack. This has been patched in WordPress version 5.7.1, along with the older affected versions via a minor release. We strongly recommend you keep auto-updates enabled.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
WordPress versions 5.6.0 through 5.7.0 contain an XML parsing vulnerability in media handling. An attacker with low-level site access can craft a malicious XML file that, when uploaded and processed, reads sensitive files from the server or makes unauthorized requests. The vulnerability stems from unsafe XML entity expansion during media import or processing.
What an attacker can do
Read sensitive files from the server or make the site send requests to internal systems.
Potential impact on your site
Attackers with basic site access can extract configuration files, database credentials, or internal data via malicious media uploads.
Conditions required to exploit
Attacker must have a low-privilege WordPress account (e.g., contributor or subscriber with upload permissions).
Key dates
External resources
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