CVE-2021-42362
HighPublic exploitWordPress Popular Posts <= 5.3.2 - Authenticated Arbitrary File Upload
Published Nov 18, 2021 · Updated Jul 9, 2026 · Also known as cb37b784-b1ff-4cee-889d-751218e5b95d
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-42362 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting WordPress Popular Posts (Wordpress Popular Posts Project).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 80% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including WordPress Popular Posts <=5.3.2, WordPress Popular Posts 5.3.3, WordPress Popular Posts 5.3.2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
80%
Higher than 99.6% 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-2021-42362 brief as a PDF
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Description
The WordPress Popular Posts WordPress plugin is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient input file type validation found in the ~/src/Image.php file which makes it possible for attackers with contributor level access and above to upload malicious files that can be used to obtain remote code execution, in versions up to and including 5.3.2.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress Popular PostsWordpress Popular Posts Project | >= 0.0 | 5.3.2 |
Patched Releases
WordPress Popular Posts
<=5.3.2, 5.3.3
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 18, 2021
Last updated
Jul 9, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-434 Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
References
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-24598
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-24758
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-24772
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-24776
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2021-24787
FAQ
Common Questions.
The WordPress Popular Posts WordPress plugin is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to insufficient input file type validation found in the ~/src/Image.php file which makes it possible for attackers with contributor level access and above to upload malicious files that can be used to obtain remote code execution,…
Affected: WordPress Popular Posts (Wordpress Popular Posts Project) versions >= 0.0. 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 Popular Posts <=5.3.2, WordPress Popular Posts 5.3.3, WordPress Popular Posts 5.3.2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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