PatchTheCVECVE-2020-8771: The Time Capsule plugin before 1.21.16 for WordPress has an authentication bypass
CVE-2020-8771 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting wp time capsule. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The Time Capsule plugin before 1.21.16 for WordPress has an authentication bypass. Any request containing IWP_JSON_PREFIX causes the client to be logged in as the first account on the list of administrator accounts.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 46.5% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-287 |
| Published | 2020-02-06 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- Write-up: wpvulndb.com/vulnerabilities/10010
- Nuclei scan template: WordPress Time Capsule < 1.21.16 - Authentication Bypass
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-2020-8771?
wp time capsule: upgrade to 1.21.16. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-8771 being exploited?
CVE-2020-8771 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-2020-8771 affect?
CVE-2020-8771 affects wp time capsule. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Time Capsule plugin before 1.21.16 for WordPress has an authentication bypass. Any request containing IWP_JSON_PREFIX causes the client to be logged in as the first account on the list of administrator accounts.
How urgent is CVE-2020-8771?
Priority 69/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action