Amelia Booking Vulnerability – Authenticated(Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via shortcode – CVE-2023-6808 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What exactly is the vulnerability?

What exactly is the vulnerability? The vulnerability is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issue that stems from insufficient sanitization of user input from shortcode attributes. This allows an attacker with contributor access or higher to inject malicious scripts that get stored in the database and execute for visitors.

Q: Why does this matter if an attacker needs contributor access? Sites should be careful about granting privileges.

Why does this matter if an attacker needs contributor access? Sites should be careful about granting privileges. While contributor access is required, it is important not to downplay the risk. Attackers frequently target privileged users through credential stuffing or elaborate social engineering schemes. Many sites also grant editing access too broadly leaving them exposed. Given the ease of exploitation and severe impacts possible, this remains a critical vulnerability for all users.

Q: What damage can be done through this vulnerability? I use Amelia for appointments only.

What damage can be done through this vulnerability? I use Amelia for appointments only. Successful exploitation, even on appointment-only sites, can lead to phishing attempts, site defacements, hijacked user sessions, and malware infections. Appointment data may also contain sensitive customer information that could be exposed. The risks are substantial.

Q: How difficult is it for an attacker to exploit this?

How difficult is it for an attacker to exploit this? Unfortunately, the vulnerability is easily exploitable with just a shortcode and script payload. The ease of attack means sites should consider themselves at imminent risk if running a vulnerable version. Updating as soon as possible is critical, regardless of contributor access controls.

Q: Are there any signs my site is already compromised?

Are there any signs my site is already compromised? Possible signs of exploitation include unexpected shortcodes or code injections in posts/pages, unexpected emails or appointments, or general website malfunctions. But malware and malicious scripts can stay dormant for long periods of time before activating so absence of issues is not an all clear. You should still update and scan your site.

Q: Is updating the only remedy? What else should I do?

Is updating the only remedy? What else should I do? Updating to version 1.0.94 will patch the root vulnerability by escaping shortcode attributes. You should also change admin passwords, limit contributor privileges, scan for malware, and monitor logs closely even after updating. Consider locking down access to vulnerable versions until the update is complete across all locations.

Q: Why does Amelia have so many vulnerabilities? Should I find an alternate plugin?

Why does Amelia have so many vulnerabilities? Should I find an alternate plugin? Amelia Booking has had an above average 10+ vulnerabilities since February 2022 pointing to systemic security gaps in its development and QA processes. While the core feature set remains appealing, some site owners opt for alternative booking plugins like Bookly or Easy Appointments after weighing risks.

Q: How did this happen? I thought WordPress plugins were safe to install.

How did this happen? I thought WordPress plugins were safe to install. Plugins extend site functionality but also introduce additional attack surface and code beyond WordPress core that can harbor vulnerabilities. The sheer volume and complexity means vulnerabilities frequently slip through even with responsible disclosure practices. This reinforces why timely patching is critical on plugins like Amelia Booking.

Q: Will Amelia get things under control security-wise?

Will Amelia get things under control security-wise? The Amelia Booking team continues working to improve its security posture through additional testing and auditing. Only time will tell but the response pace and transparency around new issue patching has been promising. Continued monitoring of updates and potential vulnerability disclosures remains important however.

Q: What can I do to avoid issues like this in the future?

What can I do to avoid issues like this in the future? Making sure any installed plugins follow good security practices is critical starting from the selection process. Monitoring release notes and vulnerability reports closely enables rapid response as issues emerge. Disabling unused plugins and limiting access to what is absolutely necessary can also minimize exposure when vulnerabilities surface.

By Your WP Guy | January 18, 2024

Plugin Name: Amelia Booking

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: ameliabooking
Software Status: Active
Software Author: ameliabooking
Software Downloads: 535,131
Active Installs: 60,000
Last Updated: January 18, 2024
Patched Versions: 1.0.94
Affected Versions: <= 1.0.93

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Booking for Appointments and Events Calendar – Amelia <= 1.0.93 - Authenticated(Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via shortcode
Title: Authenticated(Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via shortcode
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2023-6808
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: January 18, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An
Description: The Booking for Appointments and Events Calendar – Amelia plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's shortcode(s) in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.93 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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 Amelia Booking for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.0.93 that allows authenticated users with Contributor+ level access to inject arbitrary web scripts via insufficiently sanitized shortcode attributes. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.0.94.

Detailed Overview:

This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input passed via shortcode attributes. An attacker with at least Contributor access can exploit this to store persistent XSS payloads in posts and pages that will execute in the browser of users visiting the site. This can be leveraged for session hijacking, phishing, or other browser-based attacks. The vulnerability lies in the booking-confirm, booking-reminder shortcodes located in /src/application/views/shortcodes/ComponentsShortcodesService.php and was discovered by researcher Ngô Thiên An. Updating to version 1.0.94 will remediate the issue by escaping shortcode attributes before output.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to Amelia Booking version 1.0.94 as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review pages and posts for unexpected shortcodes or code. Scan site for malware.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternative booking plugins like Bookly or Easy Appointments as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Enable automatic updates for plugins to receive security patches when available. Monitor the Amelia Booking changelog.

Conclusion:

This vulnerability further emphasizes the importance of timely security updates for plugins. Users should update to version 1.0.94 immediately to mitigate risks. Proactive monitoring for vulnerabilities is key, as is limiting editing access to trusted users.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/ameliabooking

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/ameliabooking/booking-for-appointments-and-events-calendar-amelia-1093-authenticatedcontributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-shortcode

Detailed Report:

Keeping your website secure should be a top priority – but with plugins constantly needing updates, it can be a challenge even for experienced WordPress users. Unfortunately, I have some troubling news about a popular appointment booking plugin called Amelia Booking. A serious vulnerability was recently disclosed that allows authenticated users to inject malicious scripts into pages and posts. That means if your site is running any version of Amelia Booking up to and including 1.0.93, you are at risk.

Overview of Amelia Booking Plugin

The Amelia Booking plugin is an appointment and events booking solution that is active on over 60,000 WordPress sites. It allows site owners to easily set up scheduling services, take payments, configure reminders, and more. The plugin has over 535,000 downloads to date indicating its widespread popularity.

Details of the Vulnerability (CVE-2023-6008)

Researcher Ngô Thiên An discovered a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability impacting Amelia Booking versions up to and including 1.0.93. The issue lies in insufficient sanitization of user input passed via shortcode attributes. This means attackers with at least Contributor access could inject persistent XSS payloads that would execute for any visiting user.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a wide range of threats including site defacements, phishing attempts, hijacked user sessions, and malware infections.

Risks and Impacts

While exploitation does require contributor access or higher, attackers frequently target privileged users through credential stuffing or social engineering. Additionally, many sites may grant editing access too broadly. Given the ease of exploitation and severe potential impacts, this is a critical vulnerability needing immediate attention.

How to Update and Remediate

Updating to version 1.0.94 will patch this vulnerability by escaping shortcode attributes before output. I highly recommend doing so as soon as possible. Don't let this slip through the cracks.

Additionally you should:

Check your site for any unexpected code or shortcodes
Scan your site for malware just in case
Limit editing access only to users that absolutely need it
Consider setting up two-factor authentication for admin accounts

Past Vulnerabilities

This is unfortunately not the first vulnerability found in Amelia Booking. There have been 10 other publicly disclosed vulnerabilities since February 2022, indicating systemic security issues with plugin development and release processes.

Conclusion

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.

Amelia Booking Vulnerability – Authenticated(Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via shortcode – CVE-2023-6808 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What exactly is the vulnerability?

Why does this matter if an attacker needs contributor access? Sites should be careful about granting privileges.

While contributor access is required, it is important not to downplay the risk. Attackers frequently target privileged users through credential stuffing or elaborate social engineering schemes. Many sites also grant editing access too broadly leaving them exposed. Given the ease of exploitation and severe impacts possible, this remains a critical vulnerability for all users.

What damage can be done through this vulnerability? I use Amelia for appointments only.

How difficult is it for an attacker to exploit this?

Are there any signs my site is already compromised?

Possible signs of exploitation include unexpected shortcodes or code injections in posts/pages, unexpected emails or appointments, or general website malfunctions. But malware and malicious scripts can stay dormant for long periods of time before activating so absence of issues is not an all clear. You should still update and scan your site.

Is updating the only remedy? What else should I do?

Updating to version 1.0.94 will patch the root vulnerability by escaping shortcode attributes. You should also change admin passwords, limit contributor privileges, scan for malware, and monitor logs closely even after updating. Consider locking down access to vulnerable versions until the update is complete across all locations.

Why does Amelia have so many vulnerabilities? Should I find an alternate plugin?

Amelia Booking has had an above average 10+ vulnerabilities since February 2022 pointing to systemic security gaps in its development and QA processes. While the core feature set remains appealing, some site owners opt for alternative booking plugins like Bookly or Easy Appointments after weighing risks.

How did this happen? I thought WordPress plugins were safe to install.

Plugins extend site functionality but also introduce additional attack surface and code beyond WordPress core that can harbor vulnerabilities. The sheer volume and complexity means vulnerabilities frequently slip through even with responsible disclosure practices. This reinforces why timely patching is critical on plugins like Amelia Booking.

Will Amelia get things under control security-wise?

What can I do to avoid issues like this in the future?

Making sure any installed plugins follow good security practices is critical starting from the selection process. Monitoring release notes and vulnerability reports closely enables rapid response as issues emerge. Disabling unused plugins and limiting access to what is absolutely necessary can also minimize exposure when vulnerabilities surface.

Share this post:

X (Twitter) Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Pocket SMS

Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Amelia Booking, authenticated, Contributor Access, Cross-Site Scripting, defacement, exploit, fix, hack, Input Sanitization, malware, Output Escaping, Patch, phishing, Plugin, remediate, shortcode, stored, Update, vulnerability, WordPress, XSS