How severe is CVE-2020-36176?

CVE-2020-36176 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-2020-36176 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (67th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-36176?

CVE-2020-36176 affects Ithemes Ithemes Security. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-36176?

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-2020-36176 published?

CVE-2020-36176 was published on 2021-01-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-36176

CVE-2020-36176 is a high-severity vulnerability in Ithemes Ithemes Security 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-287.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 5.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (67th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Ithemes Ithemes Security
Published: 2021-01-06
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security) plugin before 7.7.0 for WordPress does not enforce a new-password requirement for an existing account until the second login occurs.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-36176?: The iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security) plugin before 7.7.0 for WordPress does not enforce a new-password requirement for an existing account until the second login occurs.
How severe is CVE-2020-36176?: CVE-2020-36176 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-2020-36176 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (67th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-36176?: CVE-2020-36176 affects Ithemes Ithemes Security. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-36176?: 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-2020-36176 published?: CVE-2020-36176 was published on 2021-01-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://wordpress.org/plugins/better-wp-security/#developers

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:ithemes:ithemes_security:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*

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