CVE-2021-4382: The Recently plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation

Q: How do I fix CVE-2021-4382?

recently: upgrade to 3.0.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2021-4382 being exploited?

CVE-2021-4382 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-2021-4382 affect?

CVE-2021-4382 affects recently. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). The Recently plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the fetch_external_image() function in versions up to, and including, 3.0.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers

This month

HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2021-4382 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting recently. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Recently plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the fetch_external_image() function in versions up to, and including, 3.0.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.6% (top 24%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-434
Published	2023-06-07
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Wordfence · Vendor: recently project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-06-07 02:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:19 UTCUpdated Record last modified

recently project recently UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.0.5

Fixed in: 3.0.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.0.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade recently

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-2021-4382?

recently: upgrade to 3.0.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-4382 being exploited?

CVE-2021-4382 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-2021-4382 affect?

CVE-2021-4382 affects recently. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). The Recently plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the fetch_external_image() function in versions up to, and including, 3.0.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers

How urgent is CVE-2021-4382?

Priority 50/100. High severity

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities

References

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