CVE-2020-36172

Name: CVE-2020-36172
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-01-06T15:15:15.163+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.1/10EPSS 0.90%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2020-36172 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.1/10 on the CVSS scale. The Advanced Custom Fields plugin before 5.8.12 for WordPress mishandles the escaping of strings in Select2 dropdowns, potentially leading to XSS.. EPSS estimates a 0.90% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The Advanced Custom Fields plugin before 5.8.12 for WordPress mishandles the escaping of strings in Select2 dropdowns, potentially leading to XSS.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.1/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.90%

54.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-79

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Advancedcustomfields	Advanced Custom Fields	< 5.8.12

References

https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/#developersProduct, Third Party Advisory
https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/#developersProduct, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jan 6, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2020-36172?

The Advanced Custom Fields plugin before 5.8.12 for WordPress mishandles the escaping of strings in Select2 dropdowns, potentially leading to XSS.

How severe is CVE-2020-36172?

CVE-2020-36172 has a CVSS score of 6.1/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.90% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2020-36172?

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-2020-36172?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST