CVE-2021-29447: WordPress Authenticated XXE attack when installation is running PHP 8

Published Apr 15, 2021
·
Updated

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.

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
debian/wordpress
5.0.15+dfsg1-0+deb10u15.0.19+dfsg1-0+deb10u15.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u26.1.1+dfsg1-16.3.1+dfsg1-1
WordPress WordPress>=5.6.0<5.7.1
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
Debian Debian Linux=10.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/wordpress to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.0.15+dfsg1-0+deb10u1Fixed in 5.0.19+dfsg1-0+deb10u1Fixed in 5.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u2Fixed in 6.1.1+dfsg1-1Fixed in 6.3.1+dfsg1-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade WordPress to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.7.1
  3. Configuration

    Keep WordPress auto-updates enabled.

    WordPress auto-updates = enabled

Event History

Apr 15, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:10 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:10 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via OSV·09:15 PM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-29447?

CVE-2021-29447 is a vulnerability in WordPress that allows a user with the ability to upload files to exploit an XML parsing issue in the Media Library, leading to XXE attacks.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2021-29447?

CVE-2021-29447 has a severity level of 6.5, which is considered high.

3

How can a user exploit CVE-2021-29447?

A user with the ability to upload files, such as an Author, can exploit CVE-2021-29447 by uploading a malicious XML file in the Media Library.

4

What versions of WordPress are affected by CVE-2021-29447?

WordPress versions 5.0.15+dfsg1-0+deb10u1, 5.0.19+dfsg1-0+deb10u1, 5.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u2, 6.1.1+dfsg1-1, and 6.3.1+dfsg1-1 are affected by CVE-2021-29447.

5

How can I fix CVE-2021-29447 in WordPress?

To fix CVE-2021-29447 in WordPress, it is recommended to update to a fixed version of the software provided by the vendor.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203