Is CVE-2021-4356 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2021-4356 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2021-4356 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2021-4356 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2021-4356?

CVE-2021-4356 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICAL

CVE-2021-4356

CWE-862Published: June 7, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

The Frontend File Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Download

in versions up to, and including, 18.2. This is due to lacking authentication protections, capability checks, and sanitization, all on the wpfm_file_meta_update AJAX action. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to download arbitrary files on the site, potentially leading to site takeover.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

The Frontend File Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthenticated arbitrary file downloads due to missing security protections. This critical flaw, rated 9.8, could allow attackers to download sensitive files and potentially take over the site.

There is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, and it is not in the CISA KEV catalog. It is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity.

Recommended Action

Users should update the Frontend File Manager plugin to a version beyond 18.2 to implement necessary authentication and sanitization.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2021-4356 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), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.