CVE-2020-11514

Name: CVE-2020-11514
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2020-04-07T17:15:13.573+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.8/10EPSS 9.11%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-11514 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The Rank Math plugin through 1.0.40.2 for WordPress allows unauthenticated remote attackers to update arbitrary WordPress metadata, including the ability to escalate or revoke administrative privileges for existing users via the unsecured rankmath/v1/updateMeta REST API endpoint.. EPSS estimates a 9.11% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Rank Math plugin through 1.0.40.2 for WordPress allows unauthenticated remote attackers to update arbitrary WordPress metadata, including the ability to escalate or revoke administrative privileges for existing users via the unsecured rankmath/v1/updateMeta REST API endpoint.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

9.11%

94.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-862

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Rankmath	Seo	<= 1.0.40.2

References

https://rankmath.com/changelog/Product, Release Notes
https://wordpress.org/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/#developersProduct
https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/03/critical-vulnerabilities-affecting-over-200000-sites-patched-in-rank-math-seo-plugin/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://rankmath.com/changelog/Product, Release Notes
https://wordpress.org/plugins/seo-by-rank-math/#developersProduct
https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2020/03/critical-vulnerabilities-affecting-over-200000-sites-patched-in-rank-math-seo-plugin/Exploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Apr 7, 2020
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-11514?

How severe is CVE-2020-11514?

CVE-2020-11514 has a CVSS score of 9.8/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 9.11% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-11514?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2020-11514?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST