CVE-2020-11025 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
In affected versions of WordPress, a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the navigation section of Customizer allows JavaScript code to be executed. Exploitation requires an authenticated user. This has been patched in version 5.4.1, along with all the previously affected versions via a minor release (5.3.3, 5.2.6, 5.1.5, 5.0.9, 4.9.14, 4.8.13, 4.7.17, 4.6.18, 4.5.21, 4.4.22, 4.3.23, 4.2.27, 4.1.30, 4.0.30, 3.9.31, 3.8.33, 3.7.33).
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-11025 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within WordPress's Customizer navigation section that poses significant security risks to authenticated users. This vulnerability exists in multiple versions of the WordPress content management system and specifically targets the administrative interface where users can customize their website's appearance and functionality. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject JavaScript code that executes within the context of other users' browsers, creating potential vectors for data theft, session hijacking, and further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability requires an authenticated user to exploit, meaning that attackers must first gain valid login credentials or find another way to authenticate within the WordPress administration area. This authentication requirement does not mitigate the risk significantly since WordPress administrators often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive site data, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the Customizer's navigation handling mechanism. When administrators navigate through the Customizer interface to modify site menus or navigation elements, the system fails to properly escape or validate user-provided input before rendering it in the browser context. This allows attackers who have gained access to administrative privileges to craft malicious payloads that persist in the navigation structure and execute whenever other users view the customized interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the navigation section of the Customizer, which is a feature that allows users to preview and modify website menus before applying changes. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when an application includes untrusted data in a new web page without proper validation or escaping, or without a security context.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-11025 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially steal administrator session cookies, execute arbitrary commands on the server, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify website content to serve malware. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the Customizer is frequently used by administrators during routine maintenance and site modifications, increasing the likelihood of exploitation during normal administrative activities. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple WordPress versions simultaneously, meaning that organizations running older versions are at risk, and the patching process requires careful attention to ensure all affected releases receive proper updates. This vulnerability also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of JavaScript to execute malicious code, and T1566.001, which encompasses social engineering attacks that could lead to credential compromise.
The remediation for CVE-2020-11025 involves immediate upgrading to WordPress version 5.4.1 or applying the appropriate patches to all affected minor versions including 5.3.3, 5.2.6, 5.1.5, 5.0.9, 4.9.14, 4.8.13, 4.7.17, 4.6.18, 4.5.21, 4.4.22, 4.3.23, 4.2.27, 4.1.30, 4.0.30, 3.9.31, 3.8.33, and 3.7.33. Organizations should implement a comprehensive patch management strategy that includes testing patches in staging environments before deployment to production systems. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their WordPress installations to ensure all affected versions have been properly updated and monitor for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating user inputs in all areas of web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where users have elevated privileges and can cause significant damage. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the WordPress codebase or custom plugins and themes.