CVE-2024-3729 in Frontend Admin Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2024
The Frontend Admin by DynamiApps plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to improper missing encryption exception handling on the 'fea_encrypt' function in all versions up to, and including, 3.19.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to manipulate the user processing forms, which can be used to add and edit administrator user for privilege escalation, or to automatically log in users for authentication bypass, or manipulate the post processing form that can be used to inject arbitrary web scripts. This can only be exploited if the 'openssl' php extension is not loaded on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3729 affects the Frontend Admin by DynamiApps WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.19.4. This security flaw resides within the 'fea_encrypt' function and represents a critical weakness in the plugin's cryptographic implementation. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of missing encryption exceptions, creating a dangerous scenario where attackers can manipulate form processing mechanisms without authentication. The flaw demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices and highlights the importance of proper error handling in cryptographic operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly validate the availability of the openssl PHP extension before attempting encryption operations. When the openssl extension is absent from the server environment, the 'fea_encrypt' function does not handle this missing dependency gracefully, instead allowing malicious input to bypass normal encryption protocols. This creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate user processing forms in ways that should be protected by encryption mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, specifically focusing on improper exception handling in cryptographic contexts. The flaw also connects to ATT&CK technique T1548.005 which covers abuse of credentials, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for privilege escalation and authentication bypass.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, providing attackers with multiple attack vectors for exploitation. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage the vulnerability to add and edit administrator user accounts, effectively escalating their privileges within the WordPress environment. Additionally, the flaw enables automatic user login capabilities that completely bypass authentication mechanisms, while also allowing arbitrary web script injection through post processing form manipulation. These combined attack vectors create a comprehensive threat model that can lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only the absence of the openssl PHP extension, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered on systems where this extension is not properly configured or installed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-3729 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the encryption exception handling flaw, while also ensuring proper server configuration to include the required openssl PHP extension. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious form processing activities and consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar cryptographic implementation weaknesses and establish mandatory security testing procedures for all plugin installations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and exception handling in web applications, particularly those handling user data and authentication processes.