CVE-2021-4374: WordPress Automatic Plugin <= 3.53.2 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary Options Update

Is it exploited?

Reported, not confirmed by CISA. VulnCheck KEV lists it as exploited in the wild. CISA has not added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog as of 29 Oct 2026.

VulnCheck KEV lists it since 6 Sep 2021. It cites 131 public reports, the first from 6 Sep 2021.

• wordfence.com
• app.crowdsec.net
• dashboard.shadowserver.org

How likely is exploitation in the next 30 days?

16.4%

EPSS score, percentile 97 of all scored records. A probability estimated by FIRST, not a report of exploitation.

How severe?

9.1 Critical

CVSS v3.1 base score, given by the CNA

What should I do?

CISA has set no required action, because the vulnerability is not in KEV.

The CVE record links no vendor advisory, patch or mitigation.

Which versions are affected?

Affected

• before 3.53.3

Versions by product

Source: CISA KEV 2026.10.29, as of 29 Oct 2026; VulnCheck KEV, as of 30 Oct 2026; FIRST EPSS, as of 30 Oct 2026; CVE List, as of 30 Oct 2026. About the data.

Description

WordPress Automatic Plugin <= 3.53.2 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary Options Update

The WordPress Automatic Plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary options updates in versions up to, and including, 3.53.2. This is due to missing authorization and option validation in the process_form.php file. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily update the settings of a vulnerable site and ultimately compromise the entire site.

Source: CVE List, as of 30 Oct 2026. About the data.

What to do

Advisories and patches

The CVE record links no vendor advisory, patch or mitigation.

This summary is based on the CVE record as of 30 Oct 2026. Check the vendor's advisory before you act: affected versions and fixes can change.

Affected products and versions

Source: CVE List, as of 30 Oct 2026. About the data.

Timeline