Description
WordPress users with lower privileges (like contributors) can inject JavaScript code in the block editor using a specific payload, which is executed within the dashboard. This can lead to XSS if an admin opens the post in the editor. Execution of this attack does require an authenticated user. This has been patched in WordPress 5.3.1, along with all the previous WordPress versions from 3.7 to 5.3 via a minor release. Automatic updates are enabled by default for minor releases and we strongly recommend that you keep them enabled.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress | WordPress | < 5.3.1 – < 5.3.1 | 5.3.1 |
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 | 5.3.2+dfsg1-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | wordpress | 5.3.2+dfsg1-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | wordpress | 5.3.2+dfsg1-1 | — |
| Debian 10 | wordpress | 5.0.4+dfsg1-1+deb10u1 | DSA-4599-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 18.04 LTS | wordpress | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | wordpress | No fix yet | — |
Advisories 1
- DSA-4599-1 wordpress - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- https://wpvulndb.com/vulnerabilities/9976
- https://github.com/WordPress/wordpress-develop/security/advisories/GHSA-x3wp-h3qx-9w94
- https://wordpress.org/news/2019/12/wordpress-5-3-1-security-and-maintenance-release/
- https://github.com/WordPress/wordpress-develop/commit/505dd6a20b6fc3d06130018c1caeff764248c29e
- https://hackerone.com/reports/738644
- 20200108 [SECURITY] [DSA 4599-1] wordpress security update mailing-list
- DSA-4599 vendor-advisory
- DSA-4677 vendor-advisory