CVE-2021-42362

Name: CVE-2021-42362
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-17T18:15:08.297+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 8.8/10EPSS 79.82%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-42362 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The WordPress Popular Posts WordPress plugin is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient input file type validation found in the ~/src/Image.php file which makes it possible for attackers with contributor level access and above to upload malicious files that can be used to obtain remote code execution, in versions up to and including 5.3.2.. EPSS estimates a 79.82% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The WordPress Popular Posts WordPress plugin is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient input file type validation found in the ~/src/Image.php file which makes it possible for attackers with contributor level access and above to upload malicious files that can be used to obtain remote code execution, in versions up to and including 5.3.2.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

79.82%

99.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-434

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Wordpress Popular Posts Project	Wordpress Popular Posts	<= 5.3.2

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/165376/WordPress-Popular-Posts-5.3.2-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://blog.nintechnet.com/improper-input-validation-fixed-in-wordpress-popular-posts-plugin/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/cabrerahector/wordpress-popular-posts/commit/d9b274cf6812eb446e4103cb18f69897ec6fe601
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2542638/wordpress-popular-posts/trunk/src/Image.phpPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/bd4f157c-a3d7-4535-a587-0102ba4e3009Third Party Advisory
https://www.wordfence.com/vulnerability-advisories/#CVE-2021-42362Third Party Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/165376/WordPress-Popular-Posts-5.3.2-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://blog.nintechnet.com/improper-input-validation-fixed-in-wordpress-popular-posts-plugin/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/cabrerahector/wordpress-popular-posts/commit/d9b274cf6812eb446e4103cb18f69897ec6fe601
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2542638/wordpress-popular-posts/trunk/src/Image.phpPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/bd4f157c-a3d7-4535-a587-0102ba4e3009Third Party Advisory
https://www.wordfence.com/vulnerability-advisories/#CVE-2021-42362Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 17, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-42362?

How severe is CVE-2021-42362?

CVE-2021-42362 has a CVSS score of 8.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 79.82% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-42362?

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-2021-42362?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST