HIGH
CVE-2021-20865
CWE-862Published: December 13, 2021· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Advanced Custom Fields versions prior to 5.11 and Advanced Custom Fields Pro versions prior to 5.11 contain a missing authorization vulnerability in browsing database which may allow a user to browse unauthorized data via unspecified vectors.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-20865 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityNone
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
advancedcustomfields1 product(s)
advanced custom fields
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (6)
→
https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN09136401/index.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/Vendor Advisory
→
https://jvn.jp/en/jp/JVN09136401/index.htmlThird Party Advisory
→
https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-custom-fields/Third Party Advisory
→
https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2021-20865
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-862
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedDec 13, 2021
Related CVEs (CWE-862)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-20865 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. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.