CVE-2020-8498: XSS exists in the shortcode functionality of the GistPress plugin before 3.0.2 for WordPress via the includes/

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-8498?

gistpress: upgrade to 3.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-8498 being exploited?

CVE-2020-8498 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2020-8498 affect?

CVE-2020-8498 affects gistpress. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.4). XSS exists in the shortcode functionality of the GistPress plugin before 3.0.2 for WordPress via the includes/class-gistpress.php id parameter. This allows an attacker with the WordPress Contributor role to execute arbitrary JavaScript code

Q: How urgent is CVE-2020-8498?

Priority 36/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

MEDIUM 5.4UPGRADE

CVE-2020-8498 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.4) affecting gistpress. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

XSS exists in the shortcode functionality of the GistPress plugin before 3.0.2 for WordPress via the includes/class-gistpress.php id parameter. This allows an attacker with the WordPress Contributor role to execute arbitrary JavaScript code with the privileges of other users (e.g., ones who have the publish_posts capability).

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.4 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 32%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2020-01-30
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gistpress project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-01-30 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:26 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gistpress project gistpress UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.0.2

Fixed in: 3.0.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gistpress || rpm -q gistpress || gistpress --version

2. UPGRADE to 3.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade gistpress

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade gistpress

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2020-8498?

gistpress: upgrade to 3.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-8498 being exploited?

CVE-2020-8498 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2020-8498 affect?

CVE-2020-8498 affects gistpress. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.4). XSS exists in the shortcode functionality of the GistPress plugin before 3.0.2 for WordPress via the includes/class-gistpress.php id parameter. This allows an attacker with the WordPress Contributor role to execute arbitrary JavaScript code

How urgent is CVE-2020-8498?

Priority 36/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities

References

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