Improper Authentication Vulnerability in WordPress - CVE-2022-43504

wordpress Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

05/12/2022
N/A
Yes i
Medium
5.3

CVE-2022-43504: Improper authentication vulnerability in WordPress versions prior to 6.0.3 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to obtain the email address of the user who posted a blog using the WordPress Post by Email Feature. Affects wordpress across 3 version ranges.

< 5.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u1 < 1015e926e9dd093fd57abbf0cb38c2ead1b18606 < 756915de8c5dbe6c9b210299ec8ce8d524f9dfaf

Fixed in 5.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u1. How to fix ↓

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Background

WordPress is a widely-used open-source content management system (CMS) that enables users to create and manage websites easily. It offers a range of features, including themes, plugins, and a user-friendly interface. However, like any software, WordPress is susceptible to vulnerabilities. CVE-2022-43504 is an improper authentication vulnerability that affects versions prior to 6.0.3, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user information.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from improper authentication in the WordPress Post by Email feature, which allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to obtain the email address of the user who posted a blog. This issue can lead to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to user data, potentially impacting the reputation of the affected site and its users. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of WordPress, making it critical for users to update their installations promptly.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade wordpress

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Workaround

If immediate updating is not possible, consider disabling the Post by Email feature temporarily to mitigate the risk of exploitation until a proper update can be performed.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-43504 is a significant vulnerability affecting WordPress installations prior to version 6.0.3, allowing unauthorized access to user email addresses. It is essential for users to update their installations promptly to mitigate risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.

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FAQ

CVE-2022-43504 is an improper authentication vulnerability in WordPress that allows unauthorized attackers to access user email addresses through the Post by Email feature.

All WordPress versions prior to 6.0.3 are affected by this vulnerability.

You can check your WordPress version in the admin dashboard. If it is below 6.0.3, it is vulnerable. Additionally, you can use Vulert to monitor and alert for vulnerabilities in your software.

If you cannot update your WordPress installation immediately, disable the Post by Email feature as a temporary workaround until you can apply the necessary updates.

Vulert is a service that monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software using a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can check if your application is affected by vulnerabilities without needing to install anything.

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How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.7.8+dfsg1-0+deb11u1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade wordpress

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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