CVE-2016-2221

CVE-2016-2221 is a high-severity vulnerability in Wordpress with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

Open redirect vulnerability in the wp_validate_redirect function in wp-includes/pluggable.php in WordPress before 4.4.2 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a malformed URL that triggers incorrect hostname parsing, as demonstrated by an https:example.com URL.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-2221?
Open redirect vulnerability in the wp_validate_redirect function in wp-includes/pluggable.php in WordPress before 4.4.2 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a malformed URL that triggers incorrect hostname parsing, as demonstrated by an https:example.com URL.
How severe is CVE-2016-2221?
CVE-2016-2221 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.4, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-2221 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-2221?
CVE-2016-2221 affects Wordpress. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-2221?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2016-2221 published?
CVE-2016-2221 was published on 2016-05-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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