How severe is CVE-2019-16781?

CVE-2019-16781 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.8, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2019-16781 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-16781?

CVE-2019-16781 primarily affects Wordpress. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-16781?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2019-16781 published?

CVE-2019-16781 was published on 2019-12-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-16781

CVE-2019-16781 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Wordpress with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.8. 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-79.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.8)
CVSS v2: 3.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (69th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-79
Affected product: Wordpress
Published: 2019-12-26
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In WordPress before 5.3.1, authenticated users with lower privileges (like contributors) can inject JavaScript code in the block editor, which is executed within the dashboard. It can lead to an admin opening the affected post in the editor leading to XSS.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-16781?: In WordPress before 5.3.1, authenticated users with lower privileges (like contributors) can inject JavaScript code in the block editor, which is executed within the dashboard. It can lead to an admin opening the affected post in the editor leading to XSS.
How severe is CVE-2019-16781?: CVE-2019-16781 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.8, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2019-16781 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (69th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-16781?: CVE-2019-16781 primarily affects Wordpress. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-16781?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2019-16781 published?: CVE-2019-16781 was published on 2019-12-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:wordpress:wordpress:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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Threat intelligence

Threat-intel indicators referencing this CVE:

64.202.190.35 (ipv4-addr)