CVE-2017-14990
CWE-312Published: October 3, 2017· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
WordPress 4.8.2 stores cleartext wp_signups.activation_key values (but stores the analogous wp_users.user_activation_key values as hashes), which might make it easier for remote attackers to hijack unactivated user accounts by leveraging database read access (such as access gained through an unspecified SQL injection vulnerability).
Technical Analysis
CVE-2017-14990 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), with a CVSS base score of 6.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (6)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-312)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2017-14990 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts