CVE-2009-2335
MediumPublic exploitWordPress and WordPress MU before 2.8.1 exhibit different behavior for a failed login attempt depending on whether the user account exists, which allows remote attackers to enumerate valid usernames.
Published Jul 10, 2009 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as 7b23308d-7439-4dd2-9ec7-57b987909121, DEBIAN-CVE-2009-2335
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2009-2335 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.3 v3.1) affecting Wordpress, Wordpress Mu, wpmu (wordpress).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 85% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Wordpress 2.8.1, Wordpress 2.8.3-1, Wordpress Mu 2.8.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
5.3
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
85%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2009-2335 brief as a PDF
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Description
WordPress and WordPress MU before 2.8.1 exhibit different behavior for a failed login attempt depending on whether the user account exists, which allows remote attackers to enumerate valid usernames. NOTE: the vendor reportedly disputes the significance of this issue, indicating that the behavior exists for "user convenience."
Affected Products
15 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| WordpressWordpress | See advisory | 2.8.1 |
| Wordpress MuWordpress | See advisory | 2.8.1 |
| wpmuwordpress | See advisory | 2.8.1 |
Patched Releases
Wordpress
2.8.1, 2.8.3-1
Wordpress Mu
2.8.1
wpmu
2.8.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jul 10, 2009
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-16
- CWE-204 Observable Response Discrepancy
References
- advisory1022528
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2009-2335
- advisoryFEDORA-2009-8529
- advisoryFEDORA-2009-8538
- advisoryFEDORA-2009-7701
FAQ
Common Questions.
WordPress and WordPress MU before 2.8.1 exhibit different behavior for a failed login attempt depending on whether the user account exists, which allows remote attackers to enumerate valid usernames.
Affected: Wordpress; Wordpress Mu; wpmu (wordpress). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Wordpress 2.8.1, Wordpress 2.8.3-1, Wordpress Mu 2.8.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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