How severe is CVE-2017-5493?

CVE-2017-5493 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-2017-5493 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-2017-5493?

CVE-2017-5493 affects Wordpress. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-5493?

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-2017-5493 published?

CVE-2017-5493 was published on 2017-01-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-5493

CVE-2017-5493 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-338.

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-338
Affected product: Wordpress
Published: 2017-01-15
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

wp-includes/ms-functions.php in the Multisite WordPress API in WordPress before 4.7.1 does not properly choose random numbers for keys, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted (1) site signup or (2) user signup.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-5493?: wp-includes/ms-functions.php in the Multisite WordPress API in WordPress before 4.7.1 does not properly choose random numbers for keys, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a crafted (1) site signup or (2) user signup.
How severe is CVE-2017-5493?: CVE-2017-5493 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-2017-5493 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-2017-5493?: CVE-2017-5493 affects Wordpress. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-5493?: 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-2017-5493 published?: CVE-2017-5493 was published on 2017-01-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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

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