WordPress 5.5.3 contains 10 significant security vulnerabilities that could put your website at serious risk. While only 4 websites currently use this outdated version, the vulnerabilities are severe enough to warrant immediate attention if you're one of them. This guide will help you understand these threats, identify if you're vulnerable, and take action to secure your site.
The vulnerabilities range from critical SQL injection flaws to stored cross-site scripting attacks. Cybercriminals actively exploit unpatched WordPress installations, making this a urgent security matter. We'll walk you through each vulnerability type and provide step-by-step remediation instructions.
WordPress 5.5.3 is an older version of WordPress, the world's most popular website building platform. Released several years ago, this version powered millions of websites but has since been superseded by newer, more secure releases. WordPress versions are numbered to track updates and improvements, with version numbers increasing as the software evolves.
Think of WordPress like your home's security system—older models work fine initially, but newer versions include better locks and alarm features. Staying on WordPress 5.5.3 is like refusing to upgrade your home security system despite known weaknesses. Updates are released regularly to patch discovered security holes and add new features. Running outdated versions leaves your website vulnerable to hackers who know exactly where the weaknesses are.
10 CVEs found. The most critical are explained below.
The WatuPRO plugin has a serious flaw that lets attackers send specially crafted requests to access your website's database directly. This is one of the most dangerous types of vulnerabilities because it gives attackers complete control over your data.
Impact: Attackers could steal all your sensitive information, including user data, passwords, and business information. They could also modify or delete critical data.
↗ View on NVDThe Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin can be tricked into loading and executing files from your server without permission. Attackers don't even need to log in to attempt this attack.
Impact: Attackers could gain access to sensitive files on your server or execute malicious code on your website.
↗ View on NVDThe ProfileGrid plugin doesn't properly verify if someone has permission before letting them change group settings. A logged-in user who owns a group could modify settings they shouldn't be able to touch.
Impact: Group owners could make unauthorized changes that affect your community, user access, or group functionality without proper safeguards.
↗ View on NVDThe GetResponse plugin doesn't properly clean user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into your website. This code stays permanently on your site and affects all visitors.
Impact: Visitors could be redirected to malicious sites, have their information stolen, or see fake content on your pages.
↗ View on NVDThe Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin has a flaw in its Trailer Box widget that allows malicious code to be permanently stored and displayed on your website.
Impact: Attackers could inject code that steals visitor information, spreads malware, or damages your site's reputation.
↗ View on NVDThe Bold Page Builder's Post Grid component doesn't properly validate input from authors, allowing them to inject harmful code into posts. Only users with Author-level access can exploit this.
Impact: Malicious content could be permanently added to your website that affects all visitors, even if the author's account is later compromised.
↗ View on NVDShowing first 10 of 4. View all on NVD ↗
| CVE ID | Severity | Score | Published | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2020-9019 | MEDIUM | 6.1 | 2020-02-25 | The WPJobBoard plugin 5.5.3 for WordPress allows Persistent XSS via the Add Job form, as demonstrated by title and Description. |
| CVE-2023-0167 | MEDIUM | 5.4 | 2023-03-20 | The GetResponse for WordPress plugin through 5.5.31 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before outputting them back in a page/post where the shortcode is… |
| CVE-2022-2943 | MEDIUM | 4.9 | 2022-09-06 | The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin for Wordpress is vulnerable to arbitrary file reading in versions up to, and including, 5.5.3 due to insufficient file path v… |
| CVE-2022-2945 | MEDIUM | 4.9 | 2022-09-06 | The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 5.5.3 via the 'type' parameter found in … |
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WordPress 5.5.3 contains dangerous vulnerabilities including critical SQL injection flaws and unauthorized access exploits that hackers actively target. The good news is that updating to the latest WordPress version is quick, free, and eliminates most of these threats immediately. Don't delay—even one security breach can cost thousands in recovery fees and damage your reputation with customers.
If you're unsure about updating or want professional verification that your site is secure, SiteRecipe.com offers comprehensive website security scanning and vulnerability assessments. Our experts can identify all security issues on your WordPress site, provide detailed remediation guidance, and monitor your site for future threats. Visit SiteRecipe.com today for a free security audit and take control of your website's safety.
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