CVE-2019-8942
HighExploitedPublic exploitWordPress before 4.9.9 and 5.x before 5.0.1 allows remote code execution because an _wp_attached_file Post Meta entry can be changed to an arbitrary string, such as one ending with a .jpg?file.php substring.
Published Feb 20, 2019 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as 506d1518-658f-4deb-9c30-d0bce5ef9df4, DEBIAN-CVE-2019-8942, DLA-1742-1, UBUNTU-CVE-2019-8942
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-8942 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Wordpress, Debian Linux.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Apr 12, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 83% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Wordpress 3.7.28, Wordpress 4.1.26+dfsg-1+deb8u1, Wordpress 4.7.5+dfsg-2+deb9u5.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
83%
Higher than 99.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
2 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
WordPress before 4.9.9 and 5.x before 5.0.1 allows remote code execution because an _wp_attached_file Post Meta entry can be changed to an arbitrary string, such as one ending with a .jpg?file.php substring. An attacker with author privileges can execute arbitrary code by uploading a crafted image containing PHP code in the Exif metadata. Exploitation can leverage CVE-2019-8943.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 12, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jul 30, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
26 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| WordpressWordpress | 5.0, 5.0-beta1, 5.0-beta2, 5.0-beta3, 5.0-beta4, 5.0-beta5, 5.0-rc1, 5.0-rc2 | 4.9.9 |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 9.0 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Wordpress
3.7.28, 4.1.26+dfsg-1+deb8u1, 4.7.5+dfsg-2+deb9u5, 5.0.1-1, 5.0.1+dfsg1-1, 4.9.9
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 20, 2019
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 12, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jul 30, 2026
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
- CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2019-8942
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2019-8942
- advisoryhttps://wpvulndb.com/vulnerabilities/9222
- advisoryhttps://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2019-8942
- advisoryDSA-4401
FAQ
Common Questions.
WordPress before 4.9.9 and 5.x before 5.0.1 allows remote code execution because an _wp_attached_file Post Meta entry can be changed to an arbitrary string, such as one ending with a .jpg?file.php substring.
Affected: Wordpress versions 5.0, 5.0-beta1, 5.0-beta2, 5.0-beta3, 5.0-beta4, 5.0-beta5, 5.0-rc1, 5.0-rc2; Debian Linux versions 9.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV since Apr 12, 2021.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Wordpress 3.7.28, Wordpress 4.1.26+dfsg-1+deb8u1, Wordpress 4.7.5+dfsg-2+deb9u5.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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