HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2019-16781
MEDIUM

CVE-2019-16781

CWE-79Published: December 26, 2019· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

5.4
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

In WordPress before 5.3.1, authenticated users with lower privileges (like contributors) can inject JavaScript code in the block editor, which is executed within the dashboard. It can lead to an admin opening the affected post in the editor leading to XSS.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2019-16781 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.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-79): Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.Low
User InteractionRequired
ScopeChanged
Impact
ConfidentialityLow
IntegrityLow
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

Affected Vendors & Products

Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
WordPress1 product(s)
wordpress
Source: NVD CPE · 3 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (14)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2019-16781
CVSS Score5.4 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-79
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedDec 26, 2019

Related CVEs (CWE-79)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2019-16781 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.