CVE-2024-0668 in Advanced Database Cleaner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2024
The Advanced Database Cleaner plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.3 via deserialization of untrusted input in the 'process_bulk_action' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attacker, with administrator access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No POP chain is present in the vulnerable plugin. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The Advanced Database Cleaner plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as PHP Object Injection in versions up to and including 3.1.3. This vulnerability resides within the 'process_bulk_action' function where untrusted input undergoes deserialization without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw specifically exploits the lack of input validation during the object deserialization process, allowing maliciously crafted data to be transformed into PHP objects that can execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability requires an attacker to possess administrator-level privileges or higher within the WordPress environment, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the context of a trusted administrative user. This authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as administrative access typically provides extensive control over the entire WordPress installation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows established patterns documented in CWE-502, which classifies PHP Object Injection as a serious security weakness involving the deserialization of untrusted data. The attack vector specifically targets the process_bulk_action function where user-supplied data flows directly into the unserialize() function without adequate security controls. While the vulnerable plugin itself does not contain a POP (Point of No Return) chain, the absence of such a chain does not eliminate the threat. Instead, it creates a scenario where the injected PHP object can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerable components within the same WordPress installation. The lack of a built-in POP chain means that attackers must rely on existing vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes to achieve full compromise, but this still represents a significant risk given the prevalence of third-party WordPress components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities and can result in complete system compromise when combined with other security weaknesses. An attacker with administrative access can leverage this vulnerability to delete arbitrary files from the server, potentially removing critical application files or data. The ability to retrieve sensitive data represents another serious concern as it could expose database credentials, user information, or other confidential data stored within the WordPress environment. Additionally, the vulnerability enables remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to establish persistent backdoors, install additional malicious software, or pivot to other systems within the network. The combination of these capabilities makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers seeking long-term access to compromised systems.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 3.1.4 or later where the deserialization vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization practices throughout their WordPress installations, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper security checks before processing. The implementation of additional security layers such as Web Application Firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other plugins and themes. System administrators should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper object serialization and deserialization practices in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK techniques focused on privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Organizations must maintain updated security practices and regularly review their WordPress plugin ecosystem to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in their environments.