CVE-2021-39201: Authenticated cross-site scripting (XSS) in WordPress editor

Published Sep 9, 2021
·
Updated

WordPress is a free and open-source content management system written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database. ### Impact The issue allows an authenticated but low-privileged user (like contributor/author) to execute XSS in the editor. This bypasses the restrictions imposed on users who do not have the permission to post unfilteredhtml. ### Patches This has been patched in WordPress 5.8, and will be pushed to older versions via minor releases (automatic updates). It's strongly recommended that you keep auto-updates enabled to receive the fix. ### References https://wordpress.org/news/category/releases/ https://hackerone.com/reports/1142140 ### For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: Open an issue in HackerOne

Affected Software

5 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
debian/wordpress<=5.0.12+dfsg1-0+deb10u1, <=5.7.1+dfsg1-2
5.8.1+dfsg1-15.0.14+dfsg1-0+deb10u15.7.3+dfsg1-0+deb11u1
WordPress WordPress>=5.0<5.8
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
Debian Debian Linux=11.0

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 debian/wordpress to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.8.1+dfsg1-1Fixed in 5.0.14+dfsg1-0+deb10u1Fixed in 5.7.3+dfsg1-0+deb11u1
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade WordPress to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.8
  4. Configuration

    Keep auto-updates enabled to receive the XSS fix pushed to older versions via minor releases.

    WordPress auto-updates enabled = enabled

Event History

Sep 9, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:35 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:35 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-39201?

CVE-2021-39201 is a vulnerability in WordPress that allows an authenticated but low-privileged user to execute XSS in the editor.

2

What is the impact of CVE-2021-39201?

The impact of CVE-2021-39201 is that it bypasses the restrictions imposed on users and allows for the execution of XSS in the editor.

3

Which versions of WordPress are affected by CVE-2021-39201?

WordPress versions 5.0 to 5.8 are affected by CVE-2021-39201.

4

How can I fix CVE-2021-39201 in Debian Linux?

You can fix CVE-2021-39201 in Debian Linux by updating to version 10.0 or 11.0.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-39201?

You can find more information about CVE-2021-39201 in the following references: [link1], [link2], [link3].

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