CVE-2024-6486 in Engine Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2025
The ImageMagick Engine ImageMagick Engine WordPress plugin before 1.7.11 for WordPress is vulnerable to OS Command Injection via the "cli_path" parameter. This allows authenticated attackers, with administrator-level permission to execute arbitrary OS commands on the server leading to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6486 affects the ImageMagick Engine WordPress plugin version 1.7.10 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through an operating system command injection flaw. This issue resides within the plugin's handling of the "cli_path" parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability specifically impacts WordPress installations where the plugin is active and configured to utilize command line interfaces for image processing operations, creating a pathway for malicious command execution on the underlying server infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated administrator user interacts with the plugin's administrative interface and provides malicious input through the cli_path parameter. This parameter typically expects a valid path to a command line utility such as ImageMagick's convert or identify commands. However, due to insufficient input validation, attackers can inject arbitrary command line instructions that get executed with the privileges of the web server process. The flaw directly maps to CWE-77 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making this a classic command injection vulnerability that can be leveraged for complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6486 extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. An attacker with administrator privileges can execute arbitrary commands with the same privileges as the web server, potentially leading to complete system compromise including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, backdoor installation, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability essentially provides a direct path to remote code execution, allowing attackers to manipulate the server environment, install malware, or establish persistent access. This represents a significant risk to WordPress installations where the plugin is deployed, particularly in environments where administrators may not be fully aware of the security implications of the plugin's command execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating the ImageMagick Engine plugin to version 1.7.11 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation for the cli_path parameter. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting administrative access to the minimum required permissions, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious command injection attempts, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and represents a critical weakness that organizations should address immediately through patch management processes. Network segmentation and monitoring of command execution patterns can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.