CVE-2024-39646 Scanner

WordPress Custom 404 Pro is a plugin widely used by website administrators and developers to manage custom error pages for WordPress sites. It helps improve user experience by allowing webmasters to create tailored 404 error pages, thereby retaining user engagement. This plugin is typically employed on websites that want to maintain brand consistency even during error encounters. Web designers and developers utilize Custom 404 Pro for its flexibility in handling undesired errors in a friendly manner. With its increasing adoption, especially in content-heavy websites, ensuring the security of such plugins is essential to protect the integrity and reputation of the web pages. Overall, WordPress Custom 404 Pro is an instrumental tool in website management and user engagement across WordPress platforms.

The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in WordPress Custom 404 Pro allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized script execution in browsers, which attackers use to hijack sessions or deface websites. XSS attacks are notably dangerous because they manipulate the browser's interaction with web pages, potentially undermining user trust and data integrity. The vulnerability, found in versions up to 3.11.1, stems from improper input neutralization during web page generation. Exploiting this vulnerability can result in significant security breaches, making timely updates and patches critical. Organizations using this plugin must ensure their installation is updated to mitigate the risk of attack.

Technically, the vulnerability exists due to improper sanitization of input fields within the plugin, permitting attackers to inject JavaScript code. A typical exploitation would involve crafting a URL with payloads that trigger when users interact with affected elements in the browser. In particular, the vulnerability can be triggered by manipulating the 'c4pmessageType' parameter. Such manipulation enables attackers to execute scripts that otherwise would be restricted by the Same Origin Policy (SOP). The issue persists in scenarios where unsanitized data is then reflected into the generated web pages without adequate escaping or filtering. Through exploiting this flaw, malicious payloads can manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM), potentially leading to critical attacks on web application users.

Exploiting the Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability can have widespread ramifications, including unauthorized data access and compromise of user sessions. It may allow attackers to conduct phishing attacks, bypass access controls, or even gain administrative privileges if used in conjunction with other exploits. Furthermore, affected websites could witness compromised data integrity, loss of user trust, and potential legal implications depending on the data jeopardized. The capability to redirect users to malicious sites could also facilitate broader distribution of malware. Hence, the repercussions of exploiting this vulnerability necessitate immediate remediation actions to prevent such potential impacts.

REFERENCES

• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/custom-404-pro/custom-404-pro-3111-reflected-cross-site-scripting
• https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?old_path=/custom-404-pro/tags/3.11.1&new_path=/custom-404-pro/tags/3.11.2&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=
• https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/custom-404-pro/wordpress-custom-404-pro-plugin-3-11-1-reflected-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve