3D FlipBook Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Bookmarks – CVE-2024-1081 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What exactly is the 3D FlipBook plugin?

What exactly is the 3D FlipBook plugin? The 3D FlipBook plugin is a popular WordPress plugin with over 1.5 million downloads. It allows you to upload PDF files and display them in an interactive, 3D page-flipping animation on your WordPress site. Readers can flip through pages and view content in an engaging, magazine-style format.

Q: What is a cross-site scripting vulnerability?

What is a cross-site scripting vulnerability? A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into web pages. When pages are viewed, this planted code gets executed and can be used to steal session data, install malware like cryptojackers, extract sensitive information, deface sites, and more. Stored XSS in particular is when injected scripts get saved in databases and execute whenever compromised pages are accessed in the future.

Q: Why does keeping plugins updated matter so much?

Why does keeping plugins updated matter so much? The vast majority of vulnerabilities stem from outdated software. Developers routinely release security patches to address newly discovered flaws. Running the latest plugin versions ensures you get all the protections in place, reducing opportunities for attackers to exploit any lingering defects. Neglecting updates leaves the door open to cyber threats.

Q: What risks does this 3D FlipBook vulnerability pose?

What risks does this 3D FlipBook vulnerability pose? This vulnerability gives attackers several concerning capabilities. They can steal admin login cookies to take over sites, inject crypto mining scripts, extract or corrupt databases, redirect pages to harmful third-party destinations, and deface content. User data is also endangered. Risks depend on the attacker’s motivations but range from spam comments to full site takeovers.

Q: How can I tell if my 3D FlipBook plugin has been compromised?

How can I tell if my 3D FlipBook plugin has been compromised? Carefully review all bookmark entries and page content for unauthorized injections. Malicious JavaScript may be visible. You can also leverage malware scanners and monitor site traffic for signs of cryptojacking activity. An uptick in bandwidth, CPU usage, errors, or strange content are possible indicators. Enabling logging can help diagnose unusual access patterns.

Q: Should I just delete the 3D FlipBook plugin for now?

Should I just delete the 3D FlipBook plugin for now? You don’t necessarily need to remove the plugin altogether now that an update fixing this vulnerability is available. Updating to version 1.15.4 or higher will secure your site. You can keep leverage the 3D FlipBook functionality after upgrading. Temporarily switching plugins is an option, but the vulnerability has been addressed by the developer.

Q: What if I need help updating plugins or securing WordPress?

What if I need help updating plugins or securing WordPress? There are WordPress specialists like [Company Name] who offer website security services to help keep your site safe. We can scan for vulnerabilities, ensure plugins stay updated, provide firewall protection, implement safety measures like brute force attack prevention, and monitor for threats. Tightening WordPress security takes expertise many businesses lack, so don’t hesitate to have an expert assist.

Q: Why does this keep happening with WordPress plugins?

Why does this keep happening with WordPress plugins? The open source nature of WordPress fuels rapid innovation but increases risk. With over 55,000 free plugins, there are ample opportunities for defects and exploitable flaws. The popularity of WordPress also motivates attackers. While frustrating for users, new vulnerabilities underscore why applying updates quickly and hardening sites is mission critical.

Q: Should I expect more vulnerabilities in the future?

Should I expect more vulnerabilities in the future? Unfortunately yes, you should anticipate that newly discovered vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins will continue being frequently uncovered by security researchers. This is the nature of software complexity today. Diligence will always be required to lock down defenses and mitigate emerging threats to your site. Being proactive reduces disruption when the next worry emerges.

Q: What can I do to better protect my site going forward?

What can I do to better protect my site going forward? Stay on top of best practices like keeping WordPress and plugins updated automatically, limiting plugins to essentials, backing up routinely, avoiding weak passwords, leveraging firewalls like Wordfence, monitoring activity logs, and potentially working with a managed service provider to apply expert security measures. Building resilience now makes weathering the next storm much easier.

By Your WP Guy | February 20, 2024

Plugin Name: 3D FlipBook

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: interactive-3d-flipbook-powered-physics-engine
Software Status: Active
Software Author: iberezansky
Software Downloads: 1,524,371
Active Installs: 70,000
Last Updated: February 20, 2024
Patched Versions: 1.15.4
Affected Versions: <= 1.15.3

Vulnerability Details:

Name: 3D FlipBook – PDF Flipbook WordPress <= 1.15.3 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Bookmarks
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Bookmarks
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-1081
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: February 20, 2024
Researcher: Muhammad Daffa
Description: The 3D FlipBook – PDF Flipbook WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's bookmark feature in all versions up to, and including, 1.15.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The 3D FlipBook for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.15.3 that allows authenticated users with Contributor+ level access to inject malicious JavaScript that will execute when pages are viewed. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.15.4.

Detailed Overview:

Researcher Muhammad Daffa disclosed the vulnerability in the bookmark feature wherein insufficient input sanitization allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript that is stored and later executed when bookmarked pages are accessed by victims. This creates significant risk, as attackers could steal session cookies, install crypto miners, extract data, or otherwise compromise site security and integrity. Users are advised to update immediately to version 1.15.4, which resolves this vulnerability by properly sanitizing input.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 1.15.4 as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review page code and bookmarks for unauthorized code injections. Clear malicious entries.
Alternate Plugins: Consider PDF flipbook plugins like WP PDF Book for now.
Stay Updated: Enable auto-updates for plugins to receive security fixes when available.

Conclusion:

The quick fix provided by the 3D FlipBook developers underscores the importance of updating plugins. Users should ensure they are running version 1.15.4 or higher in order to protect their sites from stored XSS attacks.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/interactive-3d-flipbook-powered-physics-engine

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/interactive-3d-flipbook-powered-physics-engine/3d-flipbook-pdf-flipbook-wordpress-1153-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-bookmarks

Detailed Report:

Staying on top of website security is a never-ending task. New vulnerabilities in web software are constantly being discovered, underscoring the importance of timely updates. Recently a dangerous vulnerability was revealed in a popular WordPress plugin, putting thousands of websites at risk.

The 3D FlipBook plugin, installed on over 70,000 WordPress sites, was found to have a flaw allowing attackers to inject malicious code into pages. This “stored cross-site scripting” vulnerability enables hackers to compromise site security and user data. Without the latest security update, WordPress sites using this plugin are extremely vulnerable.

About the Affected Plugin

3D FlipBook is a widely-used plugin that enables PDF uploads and displays content in an interactive 3D animated interface. The plugin has over 1.5 million downloads and 70,000 active installs. It is actively maintained by author iberezansky, with the latest update released on February 20, 2024.

Details of the Vulnerability

Researcher Muhammad Daffa disclosed a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting 3D FlipBook versions up to and including 1.15.3. The vulnerability exists in the bookmark feature due to insufficient input sanitization.

This enables attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript that gets stored and executed when bookmarked pages are viewed by victims. No user interaction is required beyond viewing compromised pages.

Risks and Impacts

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability poses severe risks, enabling attackers to carry out various malicious activities like:

Stealing session cookies and taking over user accounts
Installing cryptojackers to mine cryptocurrency
Extracting sensitive user data stored in databases
Injecting content and defacing sites
Redirecting pages to harmful third-party sites

How to Update and Fix

The developers of 3D FlipBook have addressed this vulnerability in version 1.15.4. Users are strongly advised to update as soon as possible. The following remediation steps will help secure your WordPress site:

Back up your site and database
Update the 3D FlipBook plugin to the latest secure version
Check existing bookmarks for unauthorized code and remove as needed
Consider toggling to other PDF flipbook plugins for added security

Previous Vulnerabilities

This is the fourth vulnerability uncovered in the 3D FlipBook plugin since February 2022. Keeping software updated takes continued vigilance, but is necessary for mitigating risks.

Conclusion

For small business owners without the bandwidth to monitor everything, the key takeaway is maintaining awareness and enabling auto-updates whenever possible. Lean on managed IT services providers to help apply security best practices as well. By leveraging available resources, you can better defend your online assets from modern cyberthreats.

As a business owner, you don't have time to constantly monitor for WordPress vulnerabilities like this. At Your WP Guy, we become your outsourced IT team to handle security, updates, maintenance and support. Let us fully audit your site and plugins to assess any impact from this issue. We'll update everything to patched versions so you can rest easy knowing your site is locked down.

Focus on your business goals while we focus on your WordPress site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 for a free consultation on securing your online presence.

3D FlipBook Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Bookmarks – CVE-2024-1081 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What exactly is the 3D FlipBook plugin?

What is a cross-site scripting vulnerability?

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into web pages. When pages are viewed, this planted code gets executed and can be used to steal session data, install malware like cryptojackers, extract sensitive information, deface sites, and more. Stored XSS in particular is when injected scripts get saved in databases and execute whenever compromised pages are accessed in the future.

Why does keeping plugins updated matter so much?

The vast majority of vulnerabilities stem from outdated software. Developers routinely release security patches to address newly discovered flaws. Running the latest plugin versions ensures you get all the protections in place, reducing opportunities for attackers to exploit any lingering defects. Neglecting updates leaves the door open to cyber threats.

What risks does this 3D FlipBook vulnerability pose?

This vulnerability gives attackers several concerning capabilities. They can steal admin login cookies to take over sites, inject crypto mining scripts, extract or corrupt databases, redirect pages to harmful third-party destinations, and deface content. User data is also endangered. Risks depend on the attacker’s motivations but range from spam comments to full site takeovers.

How can I tell if my 3D FlipBook plugin has been compromised?

Carefully review all bookmark entries and page content for unauthorized injections. Malicious JavaScript may be visible. You can also leverage malware scanners and monitor site traffic for signs of cryptojacking activity. An uptick in bandwidth, CPU usage, errors, or strange content are possible indicators. Enabling logging can help diagnose unusual access patterns.

Should I just delete the 3D FlipBook plugin for now?

You don’t necessarily need to remove the plugin altogether now that an update fixing this vulnerability is available. Updating to version 1.15.4 or higher will secure your site. You can keep leverage the 3D FlipBook functionality after upgrading. Temporarily switching plugins is an option, but the vulnerability has been addressed by the developer.

What if I need help updating plugins or securing WordPress?

There are WordPress specialists like [Company Name] who offer website security services to help keep your site safe. We can scan for vulnerabilities, ensure plugins stay updated, provide firewall protection, implement safety measures like brute force attack prevention, and monitor for threats. Tightening WordPress security takes expertise many businesses lack, so don’t hesitate to have an expert assist.

Why does this keep happening with WordPress plugins?

The open source nature of WordPress fuels rapid innovation but increases risk. With over 55,000 free plugins, there are ample opportunities for defects and exploitable flaws. The popularity of WordPress also motivates attackers. While frustrating for users, new vulnerabilities underscore why applying updates quickly and hardening sites is mission critical.

Should I expect more vulnerabilities in the future?

Unfortunately yes, you should anticipate that newly discovered vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins will continue being frequently uncovered by security researchers. This is the nature of software complexity today. Diligence will always be required to lock down defenses and mitigate emerging threats to your site. Being proactive reduces disruption when the next worry emerges.

What can I do to better protect my site going forward?

Stay on top of best practices like keeping WordPress and plugins updated automatically, limiting plugins to essentials, backing up routinely, avoiding weak passwords, leveraging firewalls like Wordfence, monitoring activity logs, and potentially working with a managed service provider to apply expert security measures. Building resilience now makes weathering the next storm much easier.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged 3D FlipBook, Cross-Site Scripting, Cybersecurity, hacks, Plugin Updates, stored XSS, Web Vulnerabilities, Website Maintenance, website safety, wordpress plugins, wordpress security