CVE-2020-28038

MEDIUM

WordPress < 5.5.2 - Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Post Slugs

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2020-28038. PoCs published by flex0geek.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This repository provides a detailed technical analysis of CVE-2020-28038, a reflected XSS vulnerability in WordPress before 5.5.2. The writeup explains how improper handling of `$_SERVER['PHP_SELF']` and a flawed regex in `wp-includes/vars.php` allows injection of malicious JavaScript via crafted URLs.

Description

WordPress before 5.5.2 allows stored XSS via post slugs.

Exploits (1)

github WRITEUP 20 stars
by flex0geek · cpoc
https://github.com/flex0geek/cves-exploits/tree/main/CVE-2020-28038

This repository provides a detailed technical analysis of CVE-2020-28038, a reflected XSS vulnerability in WordPress before 5.5.2. The writeup explains how improper handling of `$_SERVER['PHP_SELF']` and a flawed regex in `wp-includes/vars.php` allows injection of malicious JavaScript via crafted URLs.

Classification
Writeup 90%
Attack Type
Xss
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: WordPress before 5.5.2
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable WordPress installation · Ability to craft a malicious URL
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 27, 2026 Full analysis →

References (7)

Core 7
Core References
Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://blog.ripstech.com
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list x_refsource_mlist
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/11/msg00004.html
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_debian
https://www.debian.org/security/2020/dsa-4784

Scores

CVSS v3 6.1
EPSS 0.1760
EPSS Percentile 95.3%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

Details

CWE
CWE-79
Status published
Products (6)
debian/debian_linux 9.0
debian/debian_linux 10.0
fedoraproject/fedora 31
fedoraproject/fedora 32
fedoraproject/fedora 33
wordpress/wordpress < 5.5.2
Published Nov 02, 2020
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026