CVE-2011-4926 in adminimize
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in adminimize/adminimize_page.php in the Adminimize plugin before 1.7.22 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
The CVE-2011-4926 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Adminimize WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.7.22. This vulnerability resides in the adminimize_page.php file and creates a dangerous attack vector that enables remote adversaries to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated admin sessions. The flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the page parameter, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that gets executed in the browser of any administrator who views the affected page. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since it exploits a weakness in the plugin's input handling rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques or privileged access to the WordPress installation itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to completely compromise administrative accounts and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions. When an administrator visits a page containing the malicious payload, the injected script executes with the privileges of that administrative user, potentially allowing attackers to modify content, delete posts, access user data, change plugin configurations, or even install backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the WordPress admin interface where users possess elevated privileges, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to WordPress installations. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of scripting languages for code execution, and T1566, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. The risk is compounded by the fact that many WordPress installations rely on the Adminimize plugin for role-based access control, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers targeting administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4926 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.7.22 or later, which contain the necessary input sanitization fixes. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for unusual administrative activities, and implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for WordPress admin accounts and regularly review user permissions to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and highlights the need for proper input validation practices in web application development, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security recommendations. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures specifically designed to detect XSS attempts in their WordPress environments, as early detection can prevent successful exploitation and minimize potential damage to the organization's digital assets.