Description
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the wp_explain_nonce function in the nonce AYS functionality (wp-includes/functions.php) for WordPress 2.0 before 2.0.9 and 2.1 before 2.1.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the file parameter to wp-admin/templates.php, and possibly other vectors involving the action variable.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | wordpress | 2.1.1-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | wordpress | 2.1.1-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | wordpress | 2.1.1-1 | — |
| Debian 4.0 | wordpress | 2.0.9-1 | DTSA-34-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Exploit-DB 1
- WordPress Core 1.x/2.0.x - 'Templates.php' Cross-Site Scripting EDB-29598 · webapps · Feb 12, 2007 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DTSA-34-1 wordpress - cross-site scripting Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://trac.wordpress.org/changeset/4876
- 24306 third-party-advisory
- http://trac.wordpress.org/changeset/4877
- ADV-2007-0741 vdb-entry
- 33766 vdb-entry
- 22534 vdb-entry
- http://downloads.securityfocus.com/vulnerabilities/exploits/22534.html
- 24566 third-party-advisory
- GLSA-200703-23 vendor-advisory
- http://trac.wordpress.org/ticket/3781