What the vulnerability does
01Description
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database. In affected versions output data of the function wp_die() can be leaked under certain conditions, which can include data like nonces. It can then be used to perform actions on your behalf. This has been patched in WordPress 5.8.1, along with any older affected versions via minor releases. It's strongly recommended that you keep auto-updates enabled to receive the fix.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
WordPress versions 5.2.0 through 5.8.0 expose sensitive information to authenticated users with low privileges. An attacker with a basic user account can read data they should not have access to. The vulnerability requires network access and some technical effort to exploit, but does not require user interaction. Update to WordPress 5.8.1 or later.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read sensitive information accessible only to higher-privileged users.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
User data, settings, or other sensitive information may be exposed to any registered user.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege WordPress user account; network access required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
September 9, 2021
CVE published
August 4, 2024
Record updated
