CVE-2024-51618 in Custom Admin Menu Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in DuoGeek Custom Admin Menu allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Custom Admin Menu: from n/a through 1.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-51618 represents a critical security flaw in the DuoGeek Custom Admin Menu plugin, specifically manifesting as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This weakness creates a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's administrative interface. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user input that is subsequently rendered in web pages, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect all users who interact with the compromised administrative menu system. The issue is particularly concerning as it affects versions ranging from an unspecified beginning point through version 1.0.0, indicating a broad potential impact across multiple iterations of the plugin.
This stored XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of input parameters that are processed and stored within the plugin's administrative menu system. When administrators or users interact with the plugin's interface, malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed whenever the affected pages are loaded. The flaw operates at the web application level, where user-supplied data is not properly escaped or filtered before being incorporated into dynamically generated HTML content. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The stored nature of this XSS means that once the malicious script is injected, it persists in the application's database and executes automatically for any user who views the affected pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable attackers to perform arbitrary actions within the administrative context of the affected website. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially escalate privileges, modify administrative settings, steal administrator credentials, or even take complete control of the affected WordPress installation. The stored nature of the attack means that the malicious code will execute every time the vulnerable page is accessed, making it particularly dangerous for administrators who regularly use the affected plugin. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have access to the administrative interface or who can trick administrators into viewing maliciously crafted URLs that contain the XSS payload.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should begin with immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest version that contains security fixes. System administrators should also implement input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious scripts from being stored or executed within the application. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, monitoring administrative interfaces for suspicious activity, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where all user-supplied data should be treated as potentially malicious and properly validated before being processed or stored. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.