WordPress security changelog
MEDIUM CVE-2019-16780 Modified

WordPress 5.3.1, along with all the previous WordPress: Cross-site scripting

WordPress 5.3.1, along with all the previous WordPress is affected by cross-site scripting. Exposure depends on how the affected operation is made reachable by the site. Injected script can execute in the affected site's origin when the vulnerable output is viewed.

CVE / CNA score 5.8 CVSS 3.1 · security-advisories@github.com
NVD score 5.4 CVSS 3.1 · nvd@nist.gov
Component
WordPress 5.3.1, along with all the previous WordPress
Plugin slug
Not applicable
Affected
See vendor advisory
Safe version
See mitigation notes
Published
Dec 26, 2019
Weakness
CWE-79 — Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
What to do

Update, patch or deactivate.

Update WordPress 5.3.1, along with all the previous WordPress to a release outside the affected range, or disable and remove it until a fixed version is available.

No confirmed safe version is listed. Consider a vendor-supported patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality while you assess the risk.

Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.

Source record

Technical description

WordPress users with lower privileges (like contributors) can inject JavaScript code in the block editor using a specific payload, which is executed within the dashboard. This can lead to XSS if an admin opens the post in the editor. Execution of this attack does require an authenticated user. This has been patched in WordPress 5.3.1, along with all the previous WordPress versions from 3.7 to 5.3 via a minor release. Automatic updates are enabled by default for minor releases and we strongly recommend that you keep them enabled.

CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N

NVD vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

References

Primary and upstream sources