How severe is CVE-2016-5838?

CVE-2016-5838 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2016-5838 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-5838?

CVE-2016-5838 affects Wordpress. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-5838?

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-2016-5838 published?

CVE-2016-5838 was published on 2016-06-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-5838

CVE-2016-5838 is a high-severity vulnerability in Wordpress with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-255.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (85th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-255
Affected product: Wordpress
Published: 2016-06-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

WordPress before 4.5.3 allows remote attackers to bypass intended password-change restrictions by leveraging knowledge of a cookie.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-5838?: WordPress before 4.5.3 allows remote attackers to bypass intended password-change restrictions by leveraging knowledge of a cookie.
How severe is CVE-2016-5838?: CVE-2016-5838 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-5838 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (85th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-5838?: CVE-2016-5838 affects Wordpress. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-5838?: 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-2016-5838 published?: CVE-2016-5838 was published on 2016-06-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:wordpress:wordpress:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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